Long-time Super Falcons absentee, Folashade Ijamilusi, who plays as a striker for Edo Queens in the Nigeria Women’s Football League, opened her account for the senior women’s national team with a hat-trick during Tuesday’s international friendly 4-1 win over Algeria at Mobolaji Arena in Onikan, Lagos. She talks about her time away from the team, playing with Rasheedat Ajibade, her football dreams, and more, in this interview with PETER AKINBO
How did you get into football?
I started playing football when I was six years old. I have four brothers who loved to play football, and they taught me to play before I joined an academy in Ajah, Lagos. From there I started improving, and then I was invited to a team. From there, I got my chance to play for the U-17 national team, the Flamingos.
When you started football, was it challenging? Did you ever feel like quitting?
When I started, it was very challenging, being the only female playing in my environment, and my dad never supported it because he was afraid. Since I always moved with guys, he worried I would start misbehaving or doing one or two things with the guys. However, my mom gave me the courage to continue; she was always trying her best to provide what I needed. We weren’t financially buoyant, so it was difficult to get soccer boots, jerseys, and kits.
Sometimes I would wear my brother’s shorts and top to play. Despite the challenges, I never thought of quitting, even when my dad was against it. I used to hear about Asisat Oshoala, and I told myself that one day people would know my name too and I would be as big as she is. That was the encouragement I needed to continue. I also had support from my coach, who would sometimes give me soccer boots to play with.
You mentioned Asisat Oshoala; why does she inspire you?
Whenever I had the opportunity to watch her play, I noticed her pace and power. Since I was young and played with boys, I also used power in my game. I thought if I kept watching her, I could get more encouragement and improve my game.
You recently had a fantastic game with the Super Falcons. Can you tell us about your journey with the national team?
This was actually my second call-up. I was with them in 2019 for the Olympics qualifier. From 2019 until now, I wasn’t called up. During that period, I felt that maybe they stopped calling me because I wasn’t doing enough. So, I told myself I would keep going no matter what. I wanted to improve every day and put my name out there because I’ve always wanted to be in the Super Falcons, so I encouraged myself to try my best.
How did you receive the news of your recent call-up?
I was in my room when the assistant captain of my team came to tell me that the secretary had mentioned my name among the players going to the Super Falcons. I was very happy because it had been long, five years. I told myself this was a dream come true. I was overwhelmed and determined not to let this opportunity slip by, especially since I didn’t believe I performed very well during the Olympics qualifier second leg when I was brought in. This one will not pass me by. And that’s what was going through my mind when I got my chance on the pitch.
Tell us how you felt scoring the hat-trick.
Before the game, I was unsure if I would start because the coach said he would change the formation and line-up, so I doubted if I would play at all. I told myself that if I got to play, I would try my best to score, even if just one goal. My team (Edo Queens) coach had advised me after the first game that I would have scored if I had played inside the box instead of wider. I put that into practice. Rasheedat Ajibade had also advised me after the first game that in this second match, the opposition would come more for her, so I should use the chance to score. When I heard I was in the starting lineup as the number nine, I knew this was my chance. After scoring the first goal, I was so excited, I had to check if I was dreaming, and I looked at my side and I said, ‘It’s not a dream,’. When the second goal came, I couldn’t believe it was really me. And then the third goal came. I was incredibly happy. I am happy about it.
Did you get the match ball after the game?
No, I did not. The referee did not give it to me. I did not want to go and ask because this was a good chance and I wanted to be calm.
How was the feeling being in camp with established stars playing in La Liga and other top leagues?
The team is fun to be with. They never create separation between foreign-based and home-based players. Rasheedat especially tries to bring everyone together. She reminded us that this isn’t just any camp; this is the Super Falcons. All the foreign-based players are friendly to us, and they encourage us in different ways. They treat us as equals and make us feel like we’re all part of one team.
Who are your other role models aside from Oshoala?
Ajibade is one of them; I like choosing from the African side because I like the power they have, which I also have. On the male side, I go for Victor Osimhen; he is the reason I dye my hair also.
Did you enjoy playing with Ajibade?
Yes, I really enjoyed playing with her, and I think playing with her brought out the best in me. There was a time we could have played together when I started with Robo FC, but she had her transfer before I joined the league. I had the opportunity to play with her at U-17, but it was not enough, so playing with her again at the senior level was very nice.
What are your next targets at club and national levels?
At club level, we’re going for the CAF Champions League in Morocco, and I’m targeting being the top scorer of the tournament. I think we have a strong chance to win the trophy in Morocco. With the national team, I hope they continue giving me opportunities to be among the Falcons players. I would be happy to get another call-up.
What is your saddest moment in football?
I had a knee injury after our qualifiers when we were invited to WAFU B. I was still 17 then and was asked to join the U-17 team for the qualifiers. That’s when I got the injury. I missed the U-20 World Cup, the WAFU tournament, and the U-17 qualifiers. That was my saddest moment.
What are your future goals as a footballer?
I want to play abroad, specifically for Manchester United – I’m a big fan. I also want to be the African best player and, if I have the opportunity, compete for the world’s best player award. Most importantly, I want to win the first-ever World Cup with Nigeria.