Opeyemi Ajakaiye, the young and dynamic striker who made waves with the Super Falcons, has embarked on a new chapter in her football journey.
After a difficult spell with Madrid CFF in Spain’s Liga F, Ajakaiye made the bold decision to leave and continue her career in the United States, Footballrover reports.
But what exactly led to this major move, and who were the influential figures who kept her focused during her challenging time in Spain?
After signing with Kansas City Current, Ajakaiye’s journey took a different direction leading to her joining Carolina Ascent FC on loan.
Opeyemi Ajakaiye’s move to the U.S.: overcoming challenges in Spanish Liga F
The striker is hopeful that this new chapter in the U.S. will spark a resurgence in her career, bringing her closer to her dreams.
Having been a regular starter in Nigeria’s NWFL, Opeyemi Ajakaiye was no stranger to success.
But the transition to playing professionally abroad presented an entirely different set of challenges. Her time in Spain tested her resolve, but she has emerged with lessons that will no doubt guide her in her new journey.
Reflecting on her departure from Madrid CFF, Opeyemi Ajakaiye admits that the language barrier and lack of playing time were among the toughest obstacles she faced.
Despite the warm reception from her teammates and the coaching staff, the inability to communicate effectively made it hard for her to form meaningful connections.
This, paired with her frustration of sitting on the bench, led her to reassess her future and ultimately move to the United States.
“The language was a major barrier for me, and not playing at Madrid CFF made things even harder.” Back in Nigeria, in the NWFL, I was a regular starter, undisputed. I’d mingle with friends, talk about life, and share advice about games.
“But in Spain, even though people were friendly, it was difficult to make connections because of the language barrier.” It was a tough time for me. I wasn’t playing, and I wanted to play. That’s why I made the move to the USA. I needed to get back to doing what I love,” she told sportsboom.
During her time in Spain, Opeyemi Ajakaiye found strength in the support of her mentors, including Rasheedat Ajibade and Monday Gift.
These two players were instrumental in helping her maintain a positive mindset.
Ajibade, always a source of guidance, encouraged her to stay focused on training and avoid the negativity surrounding her situation.
Gift, who also plays in Europe, was another vital figure who provided much-needed advice and emotional support throughout Ajakaiye’s trials in Spain.
“Thanks to Rasheedat Ajibade because she was always talking to me, mentoring and motivating me.
“She kept telling me not to mind whatever was being done to me and not to care about negative comments. Instead, she encouraged me to keep training with all my ability and to keep praying.
“Monday Gift, playing at UD Tenerife, was also a big support; whenever I told her about what was happening, she’d always advise me and keep me positive,” she said.
Despite these setbacks, Opeyemi Ajakaiye took solace in the opportunity to train and learn from the coach’s tactics, which helped her grow both as a player and as an individual.
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