440: Rasheedat Ajibade OON - What does it take to be a Female Professional Footballer in Nigeria?

She Played With the Boys in Lagos, Now Super Falcons Captain: The Rasheedat Ajibade OON Football Story This week's podcast is with Rasheedat Ajibade OON, a powerhouse in Nigerian and world football. Captain of the Super Falcons, forward for PSG Féminines, and one of the most exciting players in the women's game today. From playing street football with boys in Lagos to lifting trophies in Europe and leading Nigeria to a record 10th WAFCON title in 2025, Rasheedat brings an extraordinary first-hand perspective on what it truly takes to make it as a female professional footballer in Nigeria. From the realities of growing up in Lagos with big dreams and limited pathways, to the mindset and resilience required to captain your country on the world's biggest stages, Rasheedat breaks down the roadmap for the next generation of Nigerian football stars. Inside the Episode: The Lagos Streets: How Rasheedat fell in love with football playing with boys in her neighbourhood and found her path to the professional game. The Youth Journey: Representing Nigeria's U17 and U20 teams as captain, and what those formative years taught her about leadership and sacrifice. The Leap to Europe: Securing her first professional contract in Norway and the courage it took to leave home and build a career abroad. Rising Through the Game: From Spain's Copa de la Reina to PSG — how Rasheedat kept raising her own bar at every level. Captaining Nigeria: Leading the Super Falcons at the 2024 Paris Olympics and to a historic 2025 WAFCON title, where she was named Player of the Competition. What It Really Takes: The mindset, faith, and resilience needed to rise from street football in Lagos to the pinnacle of world football, and what that means for young girls in Nigeria today. "Leadership, for me, is about selflessness. It's about putting myself on the line, prioritising the team's needs above my own. It's about service." -Rasheedat Ajibade OON Connect with Rasheedat Ajibade: 🌐 Website: https://www.rasheedatajibade.com/ 📋 Newsletter: https://super-falcons-mission-x.kit.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rasheedatt10/ ▶ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rasheedatajibade Subscribe and listen now on your favourite platform!