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For Rinsola Babajiderepresenting Nigeria, the women’s national team and the journey to continental glory was never just about football, but about identity, culture and destiny.
The London-born winger spoke about why she made the bold decision to switch her international allegiance from England to Nigeria, revealing that her lifelong dream of playing in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) ultimately guided her choice.
Babajide was once considered one of England’s most promising young talents.
She played a key role in the Young Lioness team that won bronze at the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and was capped at U18, U19 and U23 levels.
He even received call-ups for two senior Lioness training camps.
However, despite being on the cusp of a breakthrough in England, she chose a different path, one that would reconnect her with her roots and change her career forever.
His change of association was later approved by FIFA.
“It was a no-brainer” – Rinsola Babajide
In a recent interview with 49th Street, Babajide explained that the timing of his decision came during a crucial period in his career at the club.
“When I finally moved abroad due to the events that occurred while I was leaving Liverpool, Nigeria finally reached out to me, which I saw as a no-brainer.” she said.
“It gave me the opportunity to not only represent Nigeria, which is a great honor, but also to connect with my culture and myself.”
That decision would soon prove inspiring.
Instant impact in green and white
Babajide made his senior debut for Nigeria in an Olympic qualifier against Ethiopia in October 2023.
However, it was at the 2024 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations that she truly announced herself on the big stage.
Instead of calmly entering his first major tournament, he delivered immediately, scoring and providing an assist in Nigeria’s victory over Tunisia in the group stage.
He later described the tournament as transformative.
“I am Nigerian” Babajide stated.
“The proudest moment of my career so far would definitely be lifting the WAFCON trophy in my first mainstream tournament.”
“That has to be the best.”
WAFCON 2026 – The comeback that defined
Nigeria’s WAFCON triumph under coach Justin Madugu It was nothing short of historic.
Facing hosts Morocco in the final, the Super Falcons went into half-time trailing 2-0 in front of a hostile crowd.
The odds were against him. But inside the locker room something changed.
“At halftime, I feel like we had a never-give-up mentality. It was a final; there was no second leg. So we knew we had to give more,” he told 49th Street.
What followed was a stunning comeback, a display of faith, resilience and championship mentality that sealed Nigeria’s tenth continental crown.
“We had more energy. And I feel like that’s what allowed us to come back and get the winner.”
“We really wanted to win and we did it. We made our dream come true.” Babajide added.
Now playing for AS Roma WomenThe 27-year-old insists that WAFCON’s triumph stands above all her previous achievements.
His resume at the club is impressive.
Rinsola Babajide remains the only Nigerian footballer to have won Liverpool’s Player of the Season award, winning the award during the 2019/2020 campaign.
However, even that pales in comparison to the continental success with Nigeria.
“I’m Nigerian.”
“As great an achievement as that was and as successful as Mission X was, it has been the pinnacle of my career to date.” she said.
“The proudest moment of my career so far would definitely be lifting the WAFCON trophy in my first mainstream tournament.”
“That has to be the best.”
With the WAFCON winner’s medal secured, Babajide’s ambitions are far from satisfied.
She now has her sights set on representing the Super Falcons at WAFCON Morocco 2026 and the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
