For Rinsola Babajide, representing Nigeria, the national women’s team and the journey to continental glory was never just about football, it was about identity, culture, and destiny.
The London-born winger has opened up on why she made the bold decision to switch international allegiance from England to Nigeria, revealing that a lifelong dream of playing at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) ultimately guided her choice.
Babajide was once regarded as one of England’s most promising young talents.
She played a key role in the Young Lionesses squad that secured bronze at the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and earned caps at U18, U19 and U23 levels.
She even received call-ups to two senior Lionesses training camps.
Yet despite being on the cusp of a senior England breakthrough, she chose a different path, one that would reconnect her with her roots and change her career forever.
Her switch of association was later approved by FIFA.
“It Was a No-Brainer” – Rinsola Babajide
Speaking in a recent interview with 49th Street, Babajide explained that the timing of her decision came during a pivotal period in her club career.
“When I finally made a move overseas due to the events that played out while leaving Liverpool, I was eventually approached by Nigeria, which I saw as a no-brainer,” she said.
“It gave me the opportunity to not only represent Nigeria, which is a great honour, but also to connect with my culture and myself.”
That decision would soon prove inspired.
Instant Impact in Green and White
Babajide made her senior debut for Nigeria in an Olympic qualifier against Ethiopia in October 2023.
However, it was at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations that she truly announced herself on the big stage.
Rather than easing into her first major tournament, she delivered immediately, scoring and providing an assist in Nigeria’s group-stage win over Tunisia.
She later described the tournament as transformative.
“I’m Nigerian,” Babajide stated.
“The proudest moment of my career so far would definitely be lifting the WAFCON trophy in my first-ever mainstream tournament.”
“That has to be the greatest.”
WAFCON 2026 – The Comeback That Defined
Nigeria’s WAFCON triumph under head coach Justin Madugu was nothing short of historic.
Facing hosts Morocco in the final, the Super Falcons went into halftime trailing 2-0 in front of a hostile crowd.
The odds were stacked against them. But inside the dressing room, something shifted.
“At half-time, I just feel like we had a never-say-die mentality. It was a final; there was no second leg. So we knew we needed to give more,” she told 49th Street.
What followed was a stunning comeback, a display of belief, resilience, and championship mentality that sealed Nigeria’s 10th 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 made it happen. We made our dream come true,” Babajide added.
Now playing for AS Roma Women, the 27-year-old insists the WAFCON triumph stands above all her previous accomplishments.
Her club résumé is impressive.
Rinsola Babajide remains the only Nigerian footballer to have won Liverpool Women’s Player of the Season, claiming the award during the 2019/2020 campaign.
Yet even that pales in comparison to continental success with Nigeria.
“I’m Nigerian.”
“As big an achievement as it was and with how successful Mission X was, it’s 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-ever mainstream tournament.”
“That has to be the greatest.”
With a WAFCON winner’s medal secured, Babajide’s ambitions are far from satisfied.
She now has her sights firmly set on representing the Super Falcons at the WAFCON Morocco 2026 and the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
