Rasheedat Ajibade, captain of Nigeria’s Super Falcons and the tournament’s best player at the recently concluded 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), has publicly credited divine intervention for the team’s victory. Speaking on Saturday, August 2, at the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) Prayer City in Ogun State, Ajibade shared her inspiring journey from humble beginnings to continental triumph.
Addressing a congregation during a testimony session, Ajibade recalled how she once hawked kunu and olive oil on the very grounds of the MFM Prayer City, where she and her mother frequently came to pray and fast. “This is the only place I know,” she said, describing how the spiritual support she received from the church played a pivotal role in her life and career.
Accompanied by her mother, the Atlético Madrid forward said she has always returned to MFM after club engagements in Europe to seek spiritual fortification. She revealed that she routinely underwent sessions of prayer and fasting, and sought counsel and prayers from MFM’s General Overseer, Dr. D.K. Olukoya, especially before major tournaments.
“First I want to thank the God of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry. He never fails,” Ajibade declared during her testimony. “I am here to return all the praise to the God who answers by fire. I want to thank my mother. She taught us the word and she taught us how to worship.”
Ajibade, who plays for Spanish Liga F club Atlético Madrid, opened up about the physical and emotional challenges she has faced, including recurring injuries and professional setbacks.
“I was going through injuries, I was going through pain. I just didn’t know how to figure things out,” she said. “When we tackle things physically, we also know how to tackle it spiritually.”
She highlighted the role of prayer before the 2024 WAFCON tournament in Morocco, revealing that she frequently reached out to Pastor Olukoya and other church leaders for intercessory support. “Before the tournament started there has been a lot of effort in the place of prayer. Most of the time I called my father in the Lord, Pastor Olukoya and all my pastors to support me in the place of prayer.”
Ajibade, who previously testified at the church after the national team qualified for the Olympics, said her return was to give thanks. “I am here to return praise,” she said, expressing deep gratitude to the MFM pastors for standing by her and the Super Falcons team throughout their journey.
She emphasized her belief that her spiritual discipline, instilled by her mother from a young age, has played a crucial role in her football career. “Anytime I travel to my club, I will always come back to this church for deliverance. Sometimes with my mum, sometimes I come alone,” she said.
