Babajide Celebrates First Goal for AS Roma in Cup Victory

Nigeria international Rinsola Babajide has celebrated her first-ever goal for AS Roma Femminile after netting in their 3–0 Cup quarter-final triumph over Sassuolo on Sunday.

The winger opened the scoring with a fine left-footed strike into the far corner following a well-timed pass from a teammate. Her effort paved the way for Roma’s comfortable victory and safe passage into the semi-finals.

After the match, Babajide took to X to share her excitement, writing:
“Proud moment to score my first goal for @ASRomaFemminile & through to the Semi Finals  Thank you Lord for the victory.”

Babajide, 27, joined Roma last summer from Spanish side UDG Tenerife. She previously had spells at Liverpool, Crystal Palace, Watford, Brighton, and Millwall, winning Liverpool’s Women’s Player of the Season in 2019/20.

Having represented England at youth level, Babajide switched allegiance to Nigeria and made her Super Falcons debut in October 2023 against Ethiopia in the Olympic qualifiers. She was part of the Falcons squad that clinched the WAFCON 2025 title in Morocco.

Editorial

Rinsola Babajide’s breakthrough moment for AS Roma is more than just a goal; it represents the culmination of persistence, adaptation, and resilience. Too often, players moving abroad face the challenge of proving themselves in new environments. Babajide has embraced this challenge head-on and is beginning to deliver.

As Nigerians, we must celebrate when our athletes rise to the occasion on foreign soil. Every milestone abroad enhances not only individual reputation but also strengthens the perception of Nigerian football globally. Babajide’s strike in the Italian Cup is not just her personal triumph but a statement of intent — that Nigerian players are equipped to shine on any stage.

Her journey is a lesson in patience. From early experiences in England to testing spells in Spain, she has steadily built herself into a more mature and dangerous attacking player. This goal signals that she is ready to take ownership of her role at Roma and possibly secure more regular minutes.

We must also recognise what this means for the Super Falcons. Having a forward with the versatility and technical quality Babajide possesses only deepens the attacking options available for Nigeria. Her confidence at club level can translate into decisive contributions on the international stage.

This first goal should be the springboard for many more. When players like Babajide succeed, we all succeed, because their victories amplify the story of Nigerian excellence across the world.

Did You Know?

1. AS Roma Femminile were founded in 2018 and have quickly become one of the top women’s clubs in Italy.
2. The Coppa Italia Femminile, in which Babajide scored, is Italy’s premier women’s cup competition, first staged in 1971.
3. Nigeria has produced several notable women in Italian football, including Asisat Oshoala, who starred at FC Barcelona before moving to the NWSL but was once linked with Serie A clubs.
4. Babajide is among the few players to have represented England at youth level and later switched allegiance to Nigeria’s senior team.
5. Liverpool’s women’s team, where Babajide won Player of the Season in 2019/20, was once relegated from the Women’s Super League in 2020 before rebuilding under Matt Beard.