Nigerian forward Rasheedat Ajibade has solidified her position as a key figure at Atletico Madrid Femenino by winning the club’s Player of the Year award for the 2023/2024 season. This marks her first time receiving this individual accolade, highlighting her consistent and impactful performances throughout the campaign.
A Pivotal Player Since Joining in 2021
Atlético de Madrid Femenino via X
Since joining Atletico Madrid in 2021, Ajibade has become an essential part of the team’s attack. Her reliability and talent have earned her regular first-team appearances, making her a standout player on the biggest stages. This season, the 24-year-old had a career-defining campaign with the “Red and Whites,” notching 10 goals and 8 assists, directly influencing 18 goals for her team.
🏆 @Rasheedat08 recibió el premio #JugadoraCincoEstrellas de @futbolmahou de la temporada.
¡Enhorabuena, Rash! 👏 pic.twitter.com/2eMdZnDgv1
— Atlético de Madrid Femenino (@AtletiFemenino) June 19, 2024
Rasheedat Ajibade Celebrated by Atletico Madrid and Fans
Atletico Madrid announced Rasheedat Ajibade’s Player of the Year award via their social media channels on Wednesday. Her performance peaked on the final day of the season when she scored the winning goal against Villarreal, securing a crucial UEFA Women’s Champions League qualification spot for Atleti. The club celebrated her achievement, with fans and teammates alike acknowledging her contributions.
Leading the Super Falcons to Olympic Glory
Rasheedat Ajibade’s excellence extended beyond her club performances this season. As captain of the Nigerian national team, the Super Falcons, she led them to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics women’s football event for the first time since 2008.
Nigeria faces a formidable challenge in Group C, where they will compete against Brazil, Japan, and Spain, the reigning World Cup champions. Despite being the lowest-ranked team in the group, their recent performance at the World Cup, reaching the second round, gives hope that Ajibade and her teammates can deliver another magical performance.
