Nigeria Saw Her Shine Before… Now Ajakaye Opeyemi Deserves Another Chance To Fly

 Some players wait for opportunities. Some players create moments. But there are a few special talents whose journey, performances, and consistency make them impossible to ignore. Ajakaye Opeyemi Esther belongs in that category.

AJAKAYE OPEYEMI WITH HER MVP AWARD
IN THE U17 WORLD CUP AT INDIA 

The FC Robo Queens star has continued to prove herself as one of the brightest young talents in Nigerian women’s football, and her story is one built on resilience, dedication, hard work, and undeniable quality. From youth football to the global stage, Opeyemi has consistently carried herself like a player destined for greatness, and there is every reason why she deserves another opportunity with the Nigeria U20 Women National Team — the Falconets — while also remaining firmly in the conversation for the senior national team, the Super Falcons.

In action in the U17 world cup at India 

Celebrating her goal that sealed Nigeria U20 
Qualification to the world cup held at Colombia

Another MVP award won in the U17 world cup 

Despite being eligible and deserving of previous invitations to the U20 setup, Opeyemi's name was surprisingly absent on some occasions. However, true talents never stop shining, and rather than allowing disappointment slow her down, she continued working, growing, and proving herself through performances that speak louder than words.

Her breakthrough story remains one of the most inspiring in recent years. Opeyemi was one of the key figures of the Flamingoes squad that proudly represented Nigeria at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India. On the biggest youth football stage in the world, she announced herself not just to Africa, but to the global football community. While many young players struggle under the pressure of a world tournament, Opeyemi thrived under it.

 

Ajakaye Opeyemi at Madrid CFF Spain

In action against Honey Badgers of Benue
In the NWFL 

Captaining Robo Queens in the Lagos state FA Cup Final 

At the U17 world cup at India 

In action against Naija Ratels of Abuja 

She played with confidence, fearlessness, intelligence, and maturity beyond her age. Game after game, she showed her incredible attacking qualities, technical brilliance, movement, and ability to influence matches at crucial moments. Her performances were so outstanding that she won the Player of the Match award three different times during the tournament — an incredible achievement that highlighted just how important she was to Nigeria’s historic campaign.

The Flamingoes eventually finished the tournament with a bronze medal, becoming one of the proudest moments in Nigerian women’s youth football history, and Esther’s impact throughout the competition remains unforgettable. She was not just part of the squad — she was one of the driving forces behind the team’s success.

Winning the MVP award with the U20
at the WAFU B competition 

Ajakaye Opeyemi with Bartz of Germany 
After the Third place game at the U17 world cup 

Ajakaye Opeyemi against Bayelsa Queens 

Great performances always attract attention, and it was no surprise when Opeyemi earned an opportunity in Europe with Madrid CFF of Spain. Her stint in Spain gave her exposure to a more advanced football environment, helping her gain international experience, tactical understanding, and a stronger competitive mentality. For a young player, such exposure is priceless, and Esther embraced it while continuing to develop her abilities both on and off the pitch.

What makes Opeyemi special is not only her talent, but her adaptability and football intelligence. She has shown the ability to compete comfortably across different levels of the game while maintaining her confidence and effectiveness. After her exploits with the Flamingoes, she earned a deserved invitation to the Nigeria U20 team for the WAFU B competition, where she once again reminded everyone why she remains one of the most exciting young players in the country.

Even among older and more experienced players, Esther never looked out of place. She demonstrated composure, technical quality, attacking threat, and maturity that reflected her growing experience in international football. Every time she puts on the green and white jersey, she carries herself with pride, passion, and determination.

Her rapid growth soon earned her another massive recognition — a call-up to the senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, for an Olympic qualifying match against Ethiopia. That moment was more than just another invitation; it was proof that the national team coaches recognized her immense potential and believed in her future.

Coming on as a late substitute for the legendary Asisat Oshoala was symbolic in many ways. It represented the passing of experience, belief in the next generation, and trust in Esther’s ability to rise to bigger occasions. Very few young players get such opportunities at an early stage of their careers, and Esther earned hers through hard work and consistency.

Her rise in football has also been recognized on the continental level. Following her brilliant performances for club and country, she received a nomination for the CAF Young Women Player of the Year Award in 2023 — another strong confirmation that her talent is respected not just in Nigeria, but across Africa. Such recognition does not come by luck; it comes through performances, impact, and consistency.

Nominated for the CAF Young Player awards for women year 2023

At club level, Opeyemi has continued to grow steadily with FC Robo Queens, one of the most respected football development clubs in Nigeria. Week after week in the Nigeria Women Football League, she has continued to gain experience, improve her game, and showcase her quality against strong opposition. Even leading her Club side in clinching the Lagos State Federation Cup for a Record Fourteenth time in history. Her development has been evident in her confidence on the ball, decision-making, movement, creativity, and ability to influence games offensively.

With the Lagos state FA Trophy

Robo Queens in celebration mood winning the lagos 
State Federation Cup for a record 14th time

FC Robo Queens has a strong reputation for producing elite talents who go on to represent Nigeria and play internationally, and Ajakaye is another shining example of the club’s commitment to youth development and excellence.

One of the biggest strengths Opeyemi possesses today is experience. Despite still being very young, she already has experience at the U17 World Cup, U20 competitions, senior national team environment, continental recognition, European exposure, and competitive league football in Nigeria. Very few players within her age bracket can boast such a football journey already.

This is exactly why she deserves another opportunity with the Falconets. Beyond talent, she brings experience, confidence, leadership qualities, versatility, and understanding of international football. She understands what it means to represent Nigeria on the world stage, and she has already shown that she can handle pressure when it matters most.

Football is not only about giving opportunities based on potential alone; it is also about rewarding players who have consistently proven themselves. Esther has done that repeatedly throughout her journey. She has represented Nigeria with pride, delivered memorable performances, and continued working hard despite setbacks and missed invitations.

The Falconets need players who can make a difference, players who understand big tournaments, players who can inspire confidence in difficult moments, and players who are hungry to succeed. Ajakaye Opeyemi Esther fits perfectly into that category.

Her journey is far from finished. In many ways, it is only just beginning.

Nigeria has already seen her brilliance at youth level. Africa has already recognized her talent. The Super Falcons have already opened the door for her. Now is the time to once again give her the platform she deserves with the Falconets so she can continue proving herself, fight for a place in the final squad, and further establish herself as one of the future stars of Nigerian women’s football.

Ajakaye Opeyemi Esther is not just another talented player.

She is a player built for the future.

And the future deserves another chance to shine.