Nigerian women's football continues to produce outstanding talents, and one of the most exciting names in recent years is Folashade Ijamilusi (Jami-Goal). A striker with a keen eye for goal, she has carved out a remarkable career in the Nigerian Women's Football League (NWFL) and beyond. From her early days at FC Robo Queens to her international exploits and recent move to China, her journey is one of determination, skill, and ambition. But to really grasp the magnitude of what's about to be shared, let us journey back to when she tiptoed onto the big scene.

Early Days at FC Robo Queens.

Folashade's professional football story began at FC Robo Queens, a club known for developing some of Nigeria’s finest players. She plied her trade as a professional footballer with the Lagos Landlies under the guidance of Coach Emmanuel Osahon and quickly became a standout player. She has often credited Osahon for playing a crucial role in her development, shaping her into such a formidable forward. During her time at Robo Queens, Folashade's performances attracted national attention. Last season, she again showcased her ability to score and create chances, finishing as the league’s top scorer with eight goals in the season. Her goals for FC Robo in the regular season amounted to about 50% of the team’s goal that season. This exploit led to a move that would elevate her career even further.

The Champions League Stint with Edo Queens.

With the continental showpiece on the horizon, the league champions beckoned and Folashade Ijamilusi joined Edo Queens, another top team in the NWFL. Her impact again was immediate, scoring and assisting a goal on her debut in the CAF Women’s Champions League. She played a pivotal role in Edo Queens' Last 4 finish in the CAFWCL. Her finishing ability, movement, and leadership on the pitch definitely made her one of the most feared attackers in the league.

National Sports Festival.

Beyond the top-flight league, Folashade also emerged as a leader in the Team Lagos squad that made the 2022 National Sports Festival in Asaba. Her impact in the Southwest Zonal Ball Games elimination was undeniable. The qualifiers were held at the Laneleke Sports Academy in Ileogbo and Folashade played a key role in earning Team Lagos the women’s football ticket for the SW zone.

International Recognition.

On the international stage, her performances did not go unnoticed. She earned a call-up to Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons. One of her most memorable moments in the national colors came when she scored a stunning hat trick against Algeria. This remarkable feat not only showcased her talent but also demonstrated how she thrives on the big stage. She owned it! She has spoken about the inspiration she draws from fellow Super Falcons stars like Rasheedat Ajibade, who encouraged her to seize every scoring opportunity.

In fact, in the match against Algeria, Ijamilusi revealed that the Falcons skipper, Raheedat Ajibade, urged her to take advantage of the fact that the Algerians would focus on her, being the captain and a strong figure in the team. As such, she advised that Folashade should consequently position herself for goal-scoring opportunities. Perhaps because little was known to the Algerians about Jami-Goal, it turned out they weren’t as focused on her and learned a painful lesson. But with the Super Falcons, Folashade Ijamilusi is interested in more than just one hat trick. She is determined to contribute significantly and has openly expressed her ambition to help Nigeria win its first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup.

A New Challenge: The Chinese Women's Super League.

In February 2025, Folashade embarked on a new chapter in her career by signing with Liaoning Baiye FC in the Chinese Women’s Super League (WSL). The move presents an opportunity for her to test herself in a new environment, competing against some of the best players in Asia. Moving abroad is a significant step for any Nigerian footballer, and for Folashade, it is a chance to showcase her skills on a bigger stage. The experience she gains from playing in China is expected to further develop her game, making her an even more formidable force for both club and country.

The Girl Behind The Scenes.

From playing street football with her brothers to becoming one of Nigeria’s top strikers, Folashade Ijamilusi’s career trajectory is a story of self-motivated hard work and rare opportunities. According to sources, Folashade Ijamilusi's journey into football was inspired by four main factors, and we will run through them as we round up this piece.

1. Family Influence: Growing up with four brothers who loved playing football significantly influenced Ijamilusi's early interest in the sport. They taught her how to play, which laid the foundation for her future career.

2. Mother's Support: Despite initial resistance from her father due to societal concerns, Ijamilusi received strong support from her mother. Her mother encouraged and provided for her needs as much as possible, helping Folashade continue playing despite financial challenges.

3. Role Models: Former FC Robo stars Asisat Oshoala and Rasheedat Ajibade are major sources of inspiration for the gifted finisher. Jami-Goal being the top scorer in the NWFL is similar to these former FC Robo legends' achievements, who were once top scorers themselves. To zoom in on the specifics, Asisat Oshoala is a major inspiration for Ijamilusi due to Oshoala's pace and power on the field. This admiration motivated Folashade to improve her skills by emulating these qualities. Additionally, Rasheedat Ajibade has been another influential figure in Folashade’s career, especially with Rasheedat's style of leadership and charisma.

4. Personal Ambition: From an early age, Ijamilusi set ambitious goals for herself in football. She aimed not only to succeed domestically but also internationally—dreaming of becoming as renowned as Asisat Oshoala and eventually winning a World Cup with Nigeria.

With her move to China, Jami-Goal is entering a new phase. One thing that is, however, certain is that she will continue to inspire the next generation of Nigerian female footballers. Folashade Ijamilusi is a name that will resonate in Nigerian football for years to come.

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