When victory could hardly be snatched from the cold jaws of defeat against Germany at the last women’s world cup, coach Dennerby decided to introduce Rasheedat Ajibade with Nigeria losing 2:0.
The 21 year old striker made the headlines this week for securing a juicy move from cold Scandinavian Avaldsnes to the warm Mediterranean Atletico Madrid.
This brought much joy to Super Falcons fans as it represents an upgrade for Ajibade whose football career has held much promise since her under 17 escapades.
I had expected Rasheedat to strike fear in the heart of defences at the 2019 world cup but disappointingly, she played in only one match – the ill fated 3:0 loss to Germany in the second round.
Veteran ‘Triple O’ strike-force of Oparanozie, Ordega and the Oshoala was Dennerby’s weapon of choice at the World Cup with the duo of Uche Kanu and Anam Amo as the back- up brigade from the bench.
When Rasheedat got her chance, she was deployed as a substitute left fullback where she still managed to cause the Germans much headache with her darting runs into delicate areas and delicious deliveries.
Now she has moved to the more glamorous Spanish league, Rasheedat will be expected to take her place as an elite member of the Super Falcons’ strike force – the part of the pitch where she belongs.
She sure knows where the goal is.
In Scandinavia, Ravishing Rasheedat acquitted herself as a 1 goal per 3 games striker. In Spain, she will face her sternest challenge yet.
Ajibade will not find the Primera División de la Liga defenders to be generous. She will need to dig deep into her portmanteau of skills and also replenish its stock so as to thrive in the Spanish terrain.
Going by how she applied herself in the Nigerian and Norwegian leagues, the 21 year old sharp-shooter will be expected to thrive in Spain.
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