Rinsola Babajide has opened up about the deeply personal reasons behind her decision to switch international allegiance from England to Nigeria, a choice the Nigeria women’s national football team winger says was an easy one.
In a heartfelt interview with 49th Street that has resonated with football fans across Africa and the diaspora, the 27-year-old London-born forward explained that representing Nigeria allowed her to reconnect with her roots and fulfill a childhood dream of playing at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
“I’m Nigerian!” Babajide declared emphatically, describing the opportunity to represent the country of her heritage as a defining moment in her career.
From England Youth Star to Nigerian International
Babajide’s football journey initially began with England. She represented the Young Lionesses across multiple age levels, including the U18, U19, U20, and U23 teams. One of her standout moments came at the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, where England finished third.
Her rise in England’s system even saw her receive invitations to senior Lionesses training camps, putting her within touching distance of a full international debut.
At club level, Babajide also made history during her time with Liverpool F.C. Women, becoming the only Nigerian to win the club’s Women’s Player of the Season award in the 2019/2020 campaign.
However, after leaving Liverpool and seeking new opportunities abroad, Nigeria approached the winger about switching allegiance. With approval granted by FIFA in 2023, Babajide officially began a new chapter with Nigeria.
WAFCON Glory Seals the Decision
Babajide made her debut for Nigeria in October 2023 during an Olympic qualifier against Ethiopia. But it was at the 2024 edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations that she truly made her mark.
She scored her first international goal and provided an assist during the group stage against Tunisia, helping Nigeria progress through the tournament.
The campaign culminated in a dramatic final against hosts Morocco, where Nigeria produced a stunning comeback from two goals down at halftime to lift their 10th continental title.
Reflecting on the final, Babajide praised the team’s mentality.
“At half-time, we had a never-say-die mentality. It was a final; there was no second leg. We knew we had to give more. We really wanted to win, and we made it happen.”
For the winger, lifting the trophy remains the defining moment of her career.
“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.”
Key Role Ahead of WAFCON 2026
Babajide’s importance to the Super Falcons continues to grow. Just days ago, she delivered a standout performance in Nigeria’s 3–1 friendly victory over Cameroon women’s national football team in Yaoundé, scoring and assisting as Nigeria overturned a first-leg deficit.
Goals from Chinwendu Ihezuo, Babajide, and Michelle Alozie secured the comeback win, boosting morale ahead of preparations for the 2026 tournament in Morocco.
Now playing club football for AS Roma Women, Babajide hopes to help Nigeria defend their continental crown and secure qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Playing for Pride
Babajide’s story reflects a broader trend of diaspora players strengthening African national teams by bringing international experience while embracing their cultural roots.
For the winger, however, the motivation is simpler: pride.
Choosing Nigeria was not about opportunity or convenience; it was about identity. And as the Super Falcons prepare for the next chapter, Babajide’s decision continues to inspire young footballers navigating dual nationalities across the global game.
