On matchday 5 in the Bet9ja SociaLiga, a young girl announced herself to fans and Liga lovers when she single-handedly decimated defending champions, Knights Ladies.
A hitherto unknown Ajoke Akinbo inspired Dannaz Ladies to a comprehensive 4-0 defeat of holders, Knights, becoming the first female and second player overall to score a hat-trick this season,
Her stock has risen ever since and thesocialiga.com sat down with the talented and lovable forward who revealed not just all about how it all started but her goal of being the best in the female division.
Born 15 years ago in Itoko Local Government Area in Ogun state, Akinbo Jumoke Ajoke, who has already completed her SSCE at the Ikotun High School in Lagos, says football has always been serious fun for her.
“I started my football career when I got admission at Ikotun high school and later joined the school team. It was not really easy (at first), but I was always seeing it as fun at the same time.”
Ajoke has only been at the Cedars for just a little over two months following her move from Adex football club.
Having opened her account for the club in the Bet9ja SociaLiga, the talented player is already making her impact felt at the club, and according to her, it has been a very enjoyable union so far.
“I joined Dannaz two months ago through my former team. It has been really nice being with the team so far.” .
Akinbo’s career may be at its very nascent stage, but there is an incident she will always remain on her mind for years to come.
“It was the day we lost in the semi-final against Jubilee school. The match was very tough and ended in a penalty shoot-out. It was very painful because after the match some of our players fainted (due to exhaustion and dehydration).”
Like most players, Akinbo has a football player she looks up to who influences her very young career.
“Cristiano Ronaldo. I just love the way he plays.”
“It has been fun playing the league though it has not been easy, too.”
Goals against Knights Ladies, not my first hat-trick
Akinbo told thesocialiga.com that her strikes against the defending champions were not her first hat-trick and she took us back memory lane.
“I have scored three times before, but that was when playing in school game, we call(ed) the Principal Cup at the Ikotun High School.”
Target this season
Akinbo is aiming high and wants more than the title- elite mentality!
“I want to be the highest goal scorer and most valuable player of the season.”
After her heroics on MD5, Akinbo is aware she is a marked face now but remains unfazed ahead of their big clash against nearest challengers this season, Alimosho Ladies, on MD6.
She has a message for Alimosho defenders led by the reliable Deborah Annoh.
“I am ready for you!”
