Rinsola Babajide Vows Full Commitment to Nigeria’s WAFCON Quest

Rinsola Babajide, a former England youth international now donning the Super Falcons jersey, has spoken of her determination to “contribute everything” as Nigeria prepares for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The UDG Tenerife forward, born in London but of Nigerian heritage, committed to the Falcons in October 2023 and has since made five senior appearances.

Speaking in a recent interview, Babajide said she feels honoured to represent Nigeria on the continent’s biggest stage “Whenever I put on the badge, I feel honour and pride … I want to contribute as much as I can towards the team winnings, goals, assists”. This marks her first major senior tournament, following her inclusion among 11 debutants in Nigeria’s WAFCON squad announced in June 2025.

Her arrival brings flair and pace attributes she’s shown to be effective in Spain’s Liga F, where she scored six goals and provided three assists during the 2024–25 season, including a standout performance in Tenerife’s 2‑0 win over Sevilla. Babajide’s blend of international experience and personal ambition adds depth to a Super Falcons squad aiming to reclaim continental supremacy.

That ambition comes on the backdrop of Nigeria’s rich WAFCON legacy. As the tournament starts in early July, all eyes are on rising stars like Babajide, who embodies both pride in heritage and commitment to collective success.

Editorial

We are inspired by Babajide’s wholehearted embrace of the Super Falcons cause. Switching allegiance from England to Nigeria was no small decision, yet she did so knowing it would deepen her connection to heritage and now the badge means everything to her.

Her pledge to influence games through goals, assists and work ethic speaks of both individual responsibility and team spirit. That mindset is vital. WAFCON is unforgiving; talent without unity rarely succeeds. Babajide seems ready to deliver on both fronts.

The timing is perfect. A lauded season in Liga F, coupled with top performances like the Sevilla clash, ensures she arrives in Morocco in form and confidence. Her technical ability combined with speed offers the Super Falcons tactical variety as they chase “Mission X”.

We believe Babajide’s story underscores a broader truth: Nigeria’s strength lies in its ability to fuse diaspora talent with national pride. When players carry both personal ambition and cultural identity, they elevate the entire squad. The tournament will test her and Nigeria but based on her words and performances, she appears ready to answer the call.

Did You Know?

1. Babajide played for England through U21s and earned a bronze medal at the 2018 FIFA U‑20 Women’s World Cup.
2. She made her senior debut for Nigeria on 25 October 2023 in an Olympic qualifier against Ethiopia, marking a milestone moment.
3. The winger learned Yoruba through a private tutor after missing out on the Paris 2024 Olympic squad, showing her dedication to embrace Nigerian culture.
4. During the 2024–25 Liga F season, she directly contributed to nine goals over 14 matches (six goals and three assists), including a decisive brace against Sevilla.
5. Born in London, Babajide progressed through top English clubs Crystal Palace, Millwall, Watford, Liverpool and Brighton before finding form with Real Betis and UDG Tenerife.