“I Stayed in a Compound of 100 People”: Rasheedat Ajibade Opens Up on Childhood Struggles
- Super Falcons player Rasheedat Ajibade caught the attention of netizens after she spoke about how she survived in Lagos
- The Atletico Madrid star led Nigeria to win their 10th Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco
- The Super Falcons were given $100,000 each, a three-bedroom, and were conferred national honours
Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade has opened up about her rise from a humble beginning to becoming a two-time WAFCON winner.
The 25-year-old inspired Nigeria to claim their 10th WAFCON title in Morocco, after beating the Atlas Lionesses 3-2 in the final on July 26.
Source: Getty Images
Former FC Robo star was named the Player of the tournament after bagging three Woman of the Match awards in six matches, scoring one goal.
Ajibade led members of the Super Falcons to Aso Rock, where President Bola Tinubu rewarded each player of the Super Falcons team with the sum of ₦152 million ($10,000), per Punch.
He also conferred the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger on the players and coaches for earning Nigeria's 10th WAFCON title.
Ajibade speaks on washing toilets to earn a living
Super Falcons winger Rasheedat Ajibade said she grew up in a compound that accommodated over 100 people in Mushin.
In a post on X, the 25-year-old explained that she worked washing toilets and bathrooms for various households to feed herself and help her family.
The Super Falcons captain explained that she sold kunu and zobo on the streets of Lagos after her former club FC Robo failed to pay her salary for 10 years. She said:
"I help them to wash the toilet and bathroom, then I take the money. I grew up in Mushin. We were living in a compound of 100 people (10 people in a room).
"During that phase, while I was in Nigeria playing in the Women's Professional League for FC Robo Queens, it was a tough moment for me because I played for 10 years without a salary.
"Looking at my background, I am never ashamed to tell people that I sold kunu and zobo."
Source: Getty Images
I almost took my life - Ajibade
The former Avaldnes star Rasheedat Ajibade explained that she passed through lots of difficulties, including depression, during her first year in the Norwegian league.
"I was sick and injured in Norway; I couldn't play well. You can imagine a 17-year-old passing through these phases, and that was when I knew depression was real.
"Most of the time, I am thinking of either not wanting to play football again or thinking about taking my life", Ajibade said.
Rasheedat Ajibade’s video trends online
Legit.ng compiled the reactions below:
@thebigdammy said:
"She worked her way to the top and she attends MFM.
Read also
“You made this happen”: Super Falcons star thanks Benue indigenes for support during WAFCON
"God is so good❤️."
@big_orla wrote:
"That is life and everyone has their own story, but people want to listen to your story when you succeed."
@PairStories added:
"From hustle to glory 🙌 truly inspiring! 🩵."
Ajibade says teamwork responsible for title
Legit.ng earlier reported that Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade has attributed the success recorded at the 13th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) to teamwork.
The former FC Robo player said the entire team gave their best throughout the tournament, which resulted in the Super Falcons winning the trophy for the tenth time.
Source: Legit.ng
