Nigeria's young star, Aishat Animashaun, is poised to make a significant impact at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Dominican Republic 2024. The 16-year-old winger has been instrumental in Nigeria's impressive run to the quarter-finals, Nigeriasoccernet.com writes.
Animashaun's football journey began young, inspired by her mother and older brother. She started playing football around eight or nine and quickly developed a passion for the sport.
"Playing football, I was motivated by my mom. In childhood [I was] carrying a ball. I'm the last one in my family", she told FIFA during an exclusive sit down chat.
"We only have one boy in my family and that's my brother, senior brother. And I followed him to the field sometimes. Since then, I like playing football. I took football as my career and my family accepted me like that".
Her natural speed, agility, and determination to emulate her role models like Kylian Mbappe and Lauren James have made her a formidable force on the field.
"I like running. Sometimes, you know, we kids, when we see something, we want to impress ourselves. Like, [Kylian] Mbappe is my role model. And, you know, I like doing what he does. I like watching his training. And I determine myself to be like him. I watch Ronaldo, too. I give myself determination to like be like them or be more than them".
"Lauren James is my role model. I love the way she plays".
While she enjoys scoring goals, Animashaun's primary focus is on creating opportunities for her teammates. Her unselfish play and ability to deliver accurate assists have been crucial to Nigeria's success.
"I love assisting. Because if I assist, I will be happier. I like scoring though, but I don't like being stingy on the ball. When I can't score, I would rather give the person [the ball] that is very free to score. Because if she scores, we are the ones that score".
Animashaun's dream is to play for Chelsea, her favorite club, and represent Nigeria at the FIFA Women's World Cup. With her talent, dedication, and the support of her family and friends, she is well on her way to achieving these goals.
By Olaleye Oluwadamilola