Exclusive: Opeyemi Ajakaiye Speaks on Leaving Spain and Starting Fresh in the USA

Opeyemi Ajakaiye, the electrifying young striker and Super Falcons starlet, is ready for a new chapter in her football journey.

After a challenging stint at Madrid CFF in Spain, Ajakaiye recently signed with Kansas City Current but has joined Carolina Ascent FC on loan, both in the United States. A move she hopes will reignite her career and take her closer to her dreams.

From being a regular starter in Nigeria’s NWFL to navigating the hurdles of professional football abroad, Ajakaiye’s story is one of resilience and determination.

In this exclusive chat with SportsBoom.com, she reflects on her time in Spain, the support system that kept her going, and her aspirations for her new life in the USA.

Move to Carolina Ascent Was About Finding My Rhythm Again

Why did you leave a LaLiga Femeni side (Madrid CFF) in Spain to move to the USA, and who were your role models or mentors during your time in Spain?

Ajakaiye: "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."

During those trying times in Spain, Ajakaiye relied on the guidance and motivation of her mentors, particularly Rasheedat Ajibade and Monday Gift. "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."

Madrid CFF Wasn’t What I Expected

What was your experience like at Madrid CFF? What was the biggest challenge, and how did you adjust to life in Spain?

Ajakaiye: "When I completed my move to Madrid CFF, I was expecting to get into the starting lineup or at least have consistent playing time. This expectation came from my form in the NWFL in Nigeria, where I was doing well.

"But things didn’t go as planned. I didn’t get to play at all. That was the biggest challenge for me; not playing. "Even though I was dressed for games several times, it was tough sitting on the bench. It wasn’t comfortable, but I’m still grateful to God for the opportunity to go there.

"I had to adjust by focusing more on training and understanding the drills and patterns of play that the coach wanted. It was a difficult period, but it taught me patience and professionalism."

Learning and Moving Forward

For a player who made the final five for CAF Women’s Young Player of the Year in 2023, how has your move to Spain positively impacted your game, and how do you see your latest move to the USA shaping your career?

Ajakaiye: "I learned so much in Spain, even though things didn’t work out the way I planned. I now understand how to handle situations when a move doesn’t go as expected. You don’t dwell on it. You move forward."

"I can boldly say I’ve grown as a footballer and as an individual since my move to Spain. The experience has shaped me. Now, moving to the USA feels like a step in the right direction. The league there is one of the best in the world, and the country is known as the home of women’s football.

"It’s a league that has six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year and my role model, Asisat Oshoala. "Playing in the USA will give me the chance to work on my dribbling and technical skills and become a more complete forward. I’m excited about this opportunity."