Ajibade opens up on depression, suicidal thoughts after moving to Europe

Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade has shared a deeply personal account of her journey from humble beginnings in Mushin, Lagos, to the heights of African football glory — revealing the struggles, depression, and suicidal thoughts she battled after moving to Europe.

Fresh from leading Nigeria to a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title, the 26-year-old recalled in an interview with Chude Jideonwo that her path to success was built on hardship and perseverance.

Ajibade said she took on menial jobs from a young age and played football for free for many years before her breakthrough.

“I help them to wash the toilets and bathrooms, and I take the money — I call it ‘afole’,” she said. “I grew up in Mushin. We’re living in like a compound of almost 100 people.

“During that phase, when I was in Nigeria playing the professional league… the name of the team is the Robo Queens, but it was really a tough moment for me. I played there for 10 years without salary.

Read Also: We want to be world’s best – Ajibade

“Looking at my background, I’m never ashamed to tell people that I sold. I sold kunu. I sold zobo.”

Her move to Norwegian side Avaldsnes IL in 2018 seemed like a dream come true, but instead ushered in a period of emotional turmoil.

“I was sick. I was injured. I couldn’t play well during all of this. I’ve been so lonely. It was very lonely,” she said. “I was 17 or 18; I knew that I was depressed. Most of the time, I’m thinking… I don’t want to play football again. I felt like I just wanted to be slum and die or maybe just thinking about… suicide.”

Ajibade credited her Christian faith for pulling her through the darkest moments of her career, saying it gave her strength to persevere and find renewed purpose

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