Long before Rasheedat Ajibade became a Super Falcons star and moved to Paris Saint-Germain, the Nigerian international was known for another sporting talent on the streets of Lagos — skating.
FC Robo Queens founder Emmanuel Osahon has revealed how Ajibade’s journey from a talented young skater to professional football began after she was introduced to the Lagos-based women’s club through her brother.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Sports247, Osahon recalled that Ajibade was already recognised for her ability on skates when she arrived at Robo Queens.
Her football ability, however, did not immediately suggest the heights she would eventually reach.
According to Osahon, Ajibade was not among the best players when she initially joined the team, but continued training and developing under the club’s system.
That development eventually transformed a youngster known for skating into one of the most recognisable players produced by Robo Queens.
Ajibade progressed through Nigeria’s youth national teams before establishing herself with the Super Falcons and taking her career abroad.
Her European journey has included spells in Norway with Avaldsnes and Spain with Atlético Madrid before she joined French giants Paris Saint-Germain in 2025.
The transformation provides another example of the role grassroots clubs can play in identifying potential that may not always be immediately obvious.
For Osahon, player development at Robo Queens has involved more than identifying youngsters who already appear exceptional.
His account of Ajibade’s early years shows how training, patience and continued exposure can shape players whose potential develops over time.
Today, Ajibade’s career bears little resemblance to the young Lagos skater first introduced to Robo Queens through her brother.
She has represented Nigeria at major international tournaments and established herself in European club football.
Yet behind that journey lies an unusual beginning.
Before the international appearances, European football and Super Falcons recognition, there were skates, a referral from her brother and a young player who, according to the man who helped develop her, still had plenty of football improvement ahead of her.
