Wearing a modest, long-sleeved outfit and a quiet smile, Ajibade stood before a cheering congregation during the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries’ monthly Power Must Change Hands program. Her voice, slightly trembling with emotion, carried a story far deeper than her glittering accolades.
“I used to hawk zobo here,” she said, gesturing gently toward the vast church grounds. “I sold anointing oil, coconut oil, anything I could… all around this place. But I never stopped praying.”
Her testimony drew waves of applause, but also silence the kind that holds reverence for struggle, sacrifice, and transformation.
Ajibade did not come empty-handed. In a gesture steeped in gratitude and symbolism, she presented her WAFCON gold medal and the Player of the Tournament trophy to Dr. Daniel Olukoya, the General Overseer of the church, and his wife. Alongside them, she also handed over a customized Super Falcons jersey with the name “OLUKOYA 01” etched in bold letters.
“God has been faithful. Injuries came, trials came, but my foundation in Christ held me up,” she said. “I came to thank God, and to honor those who prayed for me even when I didn’t know what I was becoming.”
Ajibade’s rise has been anything but smooth. Born and raised in Lagos, she emerged through the ranks of grassroots football before earning a place at Atlético de Madrid Femenino. At 24, she captained Nigeria to WAFCON victory and helped secure Olympic qualification for the first time in 16 years. But it was her return to the pulpit that brought her life full circle.
“She reminds us of the power of purpose and prayer,” said one MFM congregant, a middle-aged woman who recalled seeing Ajibade at youth vigils in years past. “She didn’t forget where she came from.”
Her visit underscores the spiritual undercurrent that continues to run through Nigerian football — where many players trace their success not just to talent and hard work, but to the intercessory power of faith communities.
As she left the altar, flanked by church elders and young girls in white veils, Ajibade’s message lingered: Stay rooted. Keep praying. God never forgets.
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