“Glory to God First”: Rasheedat Ajibade Presents WAFCON Medal and Awards to Pastor Daniel Olukoya at MFM’s Power Must Change Hands

In a powerful moment that blended the world of sports and spirituality, Super Falcons star Rasheedat Ajibade presented her Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) medal and individual accolades to the General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Pastor Daniel Olukoya, during the Power Must Change Hands service held at the church’s headquarters in Lagos. The symbolic gesture stunned worshippers, inspired a wave of emotion, and reaffirmed Ajibade’s dedication to her faith and roots.

Clad in a modest white dress, her blue-dyed braids tucked neatly beneath a scarf, Rasheedat walked humbly toward the altar, carrying a small velvet box that contained the medal she earned during the 2022 WAFCON tournament in Morocco. She also brought along her awards for being one of the standout performers of the tournament—a testament to her grit, skill, and dominance on the pitch. But on this Saturday morning, it wasn’t about accolades or fame. It was about gratitude.

The entire congregation watched in solemn silence as she approached Pastor Daniel Olukoya, the revered spiritual leader who has long championed the fusion of excellence and faith. The moment she handed over the medal, the auditorium erupted—not in the loud cheers of a football stadium, but in thunderous hallelujahs, claps, and spiritual affirmations. Pastor Olukoya, visibly moved, laid hands on Ajibade and prayed over her life, calling her “a shining example of divine purpose and discipline.”

For many who know Rasheedat, this act wasn’t entirely surprising. She has never hidden her spiritual convictions and continues to use her platform to share the message of faith, hope, and determination. A product of MFM Football Club’s youth system, Rasheedat’s journey from a teenage hopeful in the church-backed football academy to the global stage is nothing short of extraordinary. Now a key figure in Atlético Madrid Femenino and the Super Falcons of Nigeria, she has built a reputation for being not just an explosive winger, but also a humble believer.

During the brief speech she gave after presenting her medal, Rasheedat choked up, her voice cracking as she said, “To the glory of God, I return with my crown to where it all began. This medal isn’t just mine; it belongs to every child who dreams big, to MFM that raised me, and to God who never failed me. I am nothing without Him.” Her words drew tears from some in the audience, while others simply bowed their heads in quiet reverence.

The Power Must Change Hands service, already known for its spiritual intensity and miracles, was taken to a different dimension as worshippers witnessed firsthand what divine grace combined with human diligence can produce. For many, Rasheedat’s presence and offering were a sermon on their own. It was a visible reminder that no matter how far one rises, one must never forget the source of their strength.

MFM’s football academy, under Pastor Olukoya’s vision, has long served as a bridge between sport and salvation. While some questioned the idea of a church investing heavily in football, moments like this silence the skeptics. Rasheedat is proof that the church can raise champions—not only of faith but of global excellence. Her offering at the altar was more than ceremonial; it was deeply symbolic of her commitment to remain grounded and grateful.

The gesture also sparked widespread conversation across social media. Photos and clips of the moment began circulating almost immediately, with hashtags like #AjibadeReturnsHome, #WAFCONMedalToGod, and #MFMStar flooding X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Many praised her humility, while others lauded MFM’s continued investment in young talent. Some fans even noted that this public show of faith could influence a new generation of athletes to boldly embrace their spiritual roots.

One user posted: “This is why I love Rasheedat. In a world chasing clout, she chases Christ.” Another added, “She’s not just playing football; she’s playing for something bigger. What a testimony!”

Rasheedat’s decision to present her accolades to her pastor also stirred discussions within sports circles about the influence of spirituality on athletes’ mental resilience and focus. Teammates who were present at the WAFCON tournament recall her as someone who prayed before every match, carried her Bible to camp, and encouraged others with uplifting words. That spiritual core, many believe, contributed to her consistent performance, even under the intense pressure of international competition.

The ceremony at MFM was not just about one footballer returning home—it was about a message of hope, legacy, and giving God the glory. Pastor Olukoya, in his response, commended her for her humility and charged other young members of the church not to despise small beginnings. “Rasheedat has taught us all today that when God blesses you, you return to say thank you,” he said. “That is how blessings multiply.”

As the service continued, worshippers kept pointing to the altar, where the medal gleamed beneath the lights—not as a symbol of worldly success, but as a trophy laid before the King of kings. It was a moment that would be etched in the memories of those present for years to come.

Later that day, Rasheedat returned to her base in Spain, but the seed she planted in that service continues to grow. Many young girls in the MFM system now have a living, breathing example of what’s possible when talent meets grace. And in a country often weary from headlines of despair, corruption, and defeat, her story offered something rare: a win—both on the field and in the spirit.

It wasn’t just a medal. It was a statement. Rasheedat Ajibade didn’t just lift a trophy—she lifted hearts.