Folashade Ijamilusi, a long-time absentee from the Super Falcons, marked her return by scoring a stunning hat-trick during an international friendly against Algeria, leading Nigeria to a 4-1 victory. Playing with Edo Queens in the Nigeria Women’s Football League, Ijamilusi’s performance not only underscored her talent but also highlighted her journey and resilience in the sport. She began playing football at the tender age of six, inspired by her four brothers who introduced her to the game. Despite facing substantial challenges, including financial constraints and lack of parental support (particularly from her father who was concerned about her social circles), Ijamilusi persevered. With the encouragement of her mother and a coach who provided her with equipment, Ijamilusi continued to dream of becoming a football star like her idol, Asisat Oshoala.
Ijamilusi’s journey with the national team has been marked by both excitement and disappointment. This recent call-up was only her second, the first being in 2019 for an Olympic qualifier, and she spent five years working hard to improve so as not to be overlooked again. Despite feelings of doubt during her absence, she motivated herself to strive for excellence, looking forward to the possibility of playing for the Super Falcons. Being named among the squad for the match against Algeria felt like a dream come true for Ijamilusi, especially given that she was unsure of her place in the lineup. When she finally took the field, her determination to make the most of the opportunity fueled her performance. The scoring of her three goals illustrated not only her talent but also her resolve to make an impact on the team.
Scoring the hat-trick was an exhilarating experience for Ijamilusi, transforming her initial anxiety about starting into exuberance on the pitch. With support and advice from both her club and national teammates, Ijamilusi found the confidence she needed to excel. After scoring her first goal, disbelief washed over her, quickly morphing into joy as she found the net again twice more. Although she unfortunately did not receive the match ball post-game, she was focused on celebrating with her teammates. The overall atmosphere within the camp was enriching, as the established players, especially Rasheedat Ajibade, helped create an environment of camaraderie, emphasizing unity within the team regardless of the players’ backgrounds or experiences.
With two inspiring role models in Oshoala and Ajibade, Ijamilusi draws motivation from African players who exemplify strength and skill in their game. Her recent opportunity to play alongside Ajibade rekindled her desire to grow as a player, as they had previously missed opportunities to play together in their early careers. Further aiming high in her ambitions, Ijamilusi expressed her goals at both club and national levels. With her club, she hopes to contribute significantly to their success in the upcoming CAF Champions League in Morocco, aspiring to be the tournament’s top scorer. On the national stage, she wishes to remain a consistent part of the Super Falcons, eager to continue contributing to the team’s successes.
However, her journey has not been without hardships; Ijamilusi reflects on a knee injury she sustained during her teenage years, which sidelined her from several crucial tournaments. The emotional toll from missing these key competitions marked one of the saddest moments of her football career, accentuating the ups and downs that come with pursuing a sport professionally. Yet, despite such setbacks, her resilience shines through her optimism for the future. Ijamilusi aims to not only advance her career abroad, with aspirations of playing for a club like Manchester United, but also to earn accolades as the African and possibly world’s best player. Her overarching goal remains to lead Nigeria to its first-ever Women’s World Cup victory.
As Ijamilusi settles into her burgeoning role within the Super Falcons, she embodies the determination of countless aspiring athletes. Her trajectory, starting from humble beginnings and shadowed by initial skepticism and hardship, has swiftly transformed with her recent success on the field. Ijamilusi’s story provides an inspiring glimpse into the world of women’s football, showcasing how perseverance, talent, and support from loved ones can ignite success. Through her continued hard work, she hopes not only to achieve personal glory but also to uplift the Nigerian women’s football scene on a global level.
In summary, Folashade Ijamilusi’s journey in football reflects the trials and triumphs faced by aspiring athletes. From her humble beginnings to achieving a significant milestone with the Super Falcons, her story emphasizes resilience. With goals set high for both club and national success, and fueled by inspirations around her, the future looks bright for Ijamilusi. The impact she hopes to make on and off the pitch not only defines her ambitions but also serves as motivation for young girls aspiring to follow in similar footsteps within the sport.
