“We will give everything” – Nigeria & Atlético Madrid star Ajibade warns Barcelona ahead of Women’s Super Cup clash

Nigerian forward Rasheedat Ajibade has expressed confidence that Atlético Madrid will give their all to defeat Barcelona when the two sides meet in the semifinal of the Spanish Women’s Super Cup, Soccernet.football reports.

The eagerly awaited clash will take place tonight (Wednesday, January 22) at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque in Leganés. While Barcelona enter the contest as overwhelming favourites, Atlético Madrid are determined to cause an upset.

Barcelona have dominated domestic football, remaining unbeaten against Spanish teams for nearly four years.

Their last defeat to local opponent was a 4-3 loss to Atlético Madrid in June 2021 — a match in which Ajibade started but was substituted at halftime with her team trailing 2-1. Since then, Barcelona have claimed eight consecutive wins against Atlético, including a commanding 3-0 victory in their most recent meeting last November.

Despite the odds, Ajibade, captain of the Nigeria Super Falcons, insists her team is ready to give their best effort.

“Barça is the best team in the world, but for us, it is a game we approach with confidence, staying focused without overthinking what it means,” Ajibade told Article14. “We will give everything to be in the final.”

Ajibade, Atlético Madrid’s Player of the Season last year, was also the club’s top scorer. She has carried that momentum into this campaign, netting six goals and providing two assists in 12 matches, maintaining her position as the team’s top scorer.

The Nigerian international will be under the spotlight against Barcelona, particularly as she seeks her first goal against goalkeeper Cata Coll.

“I hope to be prepared enough to have the chance to beat her,” Ajibade said. “I just want to keep improving my level every day.”

The second semifinal of the Supercopa Femenina will see Real Madrid take on Real Sociedad on Thursday night.