Rasheedat Ajibade

Rasheedat Ajibade aims to make debut Africa Women's Cup of Nations statement

Rasheedat Ajibade is keen to make a statement at the senior level as she eyes her first ever African Women’s Cup of Nations appearance.

The 19-year-old put up outstanding displays for her club FC Robo, scoring six goals in 2018, months after she shone brightly at the 2018 WAFU Cup in Abidjan, where the Super Falcons finished third.

Dubbed one of Africa's hot prospects, coach Thomas Dennerby included her in his final squad and she is eager to reward the Swede with a breakthrough on the big stage.

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"I feel so grateful to God and so delighted getting this far. It's being fun, great experience and a learning curve for me," Ajibade told Goal.

"I am happy making the final squad. It was made possible by God and the little of my best during our training sessions. I want to appreciate the coaches for considering me for the tournament.

"I have really learned a lot being in the midst of foriegn and home-based players. The quality and mentality of players who played at the U20 World Cup is different from the senior team, where you have experienced, exposed and mature players, who also understand the rudiment of the game.

"Being a young player, I am motivated to do more because the senior players n the team do not try to talk to you down, belittle or take advantage of us. It's being an exciting time and I am looking forward to making a mark on my debut in the competition.

"They carry us [the young players] along and do not really show it on the pitch that we're underage players. Unlike when you play with your peers and they will want to talk you down.

"It will be a good game for me if I am opportune to play any game in Ghana. I want to go and learn, gain more experience and if I get the chance to play, I will definitely play my heart out."

The attacker could be handed her debut when Nigeria faceoff with rivals South Africa in their group opener at the Cape Coast Stadium on Sunday.

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