CAN 2022 Women: Rasheedat Ajibade, Nigeria's rising star
Nigerian Rasheedat Ajibade (left) against Botswana, during the CAN 2022 Women.
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Text by: David Kalfa Follow
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With two goals and two assists in three matches, Rasheedat Ajibade has established himself as the rising star of the Nigerian team during this Women's African Cup of Nations in Morocco (CAN 2022).
In the absence of superstar Asisat Oshoala, forfeited through injury, the Atletico Madrid winger assumes this new status.
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From our special correspondent in Rabat,
Riddle: which Nigerian striker playing in Spain and having colored hair lights up this
CAN 2022
?
No, it's not Asisat Oshoala, pink dye, four times elected African player of the year and
resident of FC Barcelona.
Forfeited by injury
after Nigeria's first match, the superstar of continental women's football has indeed left the light to her young teammate, Rasheedat Ajibade, blue dye.
“
I don't have the slightest pressure whatsoever
, yet assures the latter.
Each of us is a star on the pitch.
You just have to know how to seize your chance at the right time on the lawn
.
At 22, the Atletico Madrid winger has already won a CAN (in 2018) and plays in one of the best clubs in Spain.
But she is gaining momentum with the Super Falcons.
After scoring Nigeria's only goal against South Africa (2-1 defeat) and having been very active against Botswana (2-0 victory), "Rash" (his nickname) offered himself a new achievement and two assists, this July 10 against Burundi (4-0).
“
It's a question of individual progress
,” she explains.
You have to be better every time.
I was lucky to be selected for selection in 2018. Now I know that I have to do even more
”.
Finalist for the African Football Oscars
She scores more, as she has proven with her Madrid team this season, with 10 goals.
But Rasheedat Ajibade knows that one of his main assets is his versatility.
“
I was trained to be an adaptable player, to be able to play in any position in midfield or in attack.
It's something that can make you an exception in the game
, "she says.
Rasheedat Ajibade is now focused on a quarter-final against Cameroon's Ajara Njoya, her former teammate at Atletico Madrid.
At stake, there is a place in the semi-finals of CAN 2022, automatic qualification for the 2023 World Cup, and spirits to score for the Confederation of African Football Trophies (CAF Awards).
The Kaduna native is one of thirty nominated for the title of African Player of the Year.
On July 21 in Rabat, will she succeed the winner of the CAF Awards to the other star with colored hair from Nigeria?
Interview by Hugo Moissonnier
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