Despite being overlooked for the 2023 CAF Women’s Player of the Year award, Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade continues to make waves both on and off the pitch. The Atlético Madrid forward, who has been in stellar form this season with five goals and two assists in her last nine games, received well-deserved recognition in Spain for her humanitarian efforts.

At the IV European Women’s Football Gala, Ajibade was honored with the Hyundai Sports Values Trophy for her impactful work through the Rasheedat Ajibade Foundation. Her foundation focuses on empowering young women, particularly the underprivileged, with a goal of sponsoring at least 50 students for next year’s school and examination fees.

Ajibade’s efforts come at a time when she is nursing a back injury that kept her out of Atlético Madrid’s recent 2-1 defeat to Real Betis. Nonetheless, her contributions this season—both on the field and in the community—have not gone unnoticed.

While CAF awarded Zambia’s Barbara Banda the Women’s Player of the Year honor, Ajibade was still included in the FIFPro Women’s Team of the Year alongside her compatriots Asisat Oshoala, Osinachi Ohale, and Michelle Alozie. Additionally, Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie earned her own recognition, winning Best Female Goalkeeper for the second consecutive year.

Ajibade’s dedication to football and humanitarian work continues to inspire, proving that her influence goes far beyond the pitch.