Super Falcons skipper receives recognition in Spain after African Player of the Year snub

Despite her efforts for the Super Falcons and Atlético de Madrid, Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade was ignored by the Confederation of African Football as Barbara Banda was named the Women's Player of the Year on the continent yesterday.

Chiamaka Nnadozie was the only Super Falcons player to have made the final three-player shortlist and she was also named the best female goalkeeper for the second consecutive year.

However, Ajibade was included in the FIFPro Women's Team of the Year, alongside Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale, and Asisat Oshoala.

While she was snubbed by CAF for the most prestigious individual female Footballer award, she was celebrated for her humanitarian efforts as she was awarded the Hyundai Sports Values Trophy at the IV European Women’s Football Gala in Spain.

Through her non-profit organisation, Rasheedat Ajibade Foundation, the Atlético Madrid forward is empowering young women, particularly the less-privileged ones.

As garnered from the foundation's website, the brilliant forward presently wants to sponsor at least 50 less-privileged students for next year's school/examination fees to demonstrate her commitment to helping the needy.

Ajibade is currently nursing a back injury which kept her out of Atlético Madrid's 2-1 defeat to Real Betis in the Primera División clash played last weekend.

She has been in imperious form for the Spanish outfit this season, having registered five goals and two assists in the past nine games.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com