Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade once again showcased her prowess with a superb performance, contributing a goal and an assist in Spanish side Atletico Madrid’s thrilling 3-2 victory over arch-rivals Real Madrid on Saturday.
The midfielder, who has won the Atletico Femeni Player of the Month award three times in a row this season was impressive in the game and was deservedly award the Player of the Match.
The highly anticipated Madrid derby lived up to its billing, with Caroline Sophie Moller striking first for Real Madrid in the 34th minute at the Alfredo di Stefano stadium.
However, Atletico quickly responded, with Carmen Menayo setting up Anna Vitoria for the equalizer just three minutes later.
The momentum swung in Atletico’s favor in the second half, as Ajibade seized the opportunity to put her side ahead in the 56th minute, capitalizing on Vitoria’s assist as she outpaced a Real Madrid player with her speed.
Despite Brazil’s Kathellen leveling the score for the hosts in the 70th minute, Ajibade once again proved instrumental, setting up Vilde Boe Risa for the winning goal just six minutes later, stunning the home fans and ending their five-match winning streak.
Ajibade’s impactful performance earned her the title of Player of the Match before being substituted by Sheila Guijarro in the 84th minute.
With this impressive display, the former FC Robo star has now tallied eight goals and six assists for Atletico Madrid in 27 league appearances this season.
The victory not only solidifies Atletico’s standing in their quest to qualify for the UEFA Women’s Champions League but also propels them to the third position in the league table with 54 points after 27 games, opening up a three-point lead over Levante UD.
Their next challenge awaits against Las Planas on May 24, 2024, in another crucial league encounter as they continue their pursuit of European qualification.
With the league title in FC Barcelona’s kitty, places are up for grabs in the UEFA Women’s Champions League and relegation survival in the remaining league games.
In addition to her outstanding performance for Atletico Madrid this season so far, it's worth noting that Rasheedat Ajibade also captained Nigeria's Super Falcons to qualify for the Paris Olympics women's football event defeating South Africa's Banyana Banyana 1-0 on aggregate over two legs.
The first leg ended 1-0 in favour of the Falcons while they were able to battle to a goalless draw in Pretoria to qualify for the Olympics for the first time since 2008.
