Former Liverpool forward Rinsola Babajide has explained her decision to change her international allegiance from England to Nigeria, revealing that her ambition to feature at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and reconnect with her heritage played a key role.
Born in London, Babajide previously represented England at several youth levels before FIFA approved her switch of nationality. She was part of the Young Lionesses squad that secured bronze at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and also featured for England’s U-18, U-19 and U-23 teams. In addition, she received invitations to two senior Lionesses training camps.
Despite her progress with England’s youth sides, her senior breakthrough came with Nigeria when she debuted for the Super Falcons in an Olympic qualifier against Ethiopia in October 2023.
In an interview with 49th Street, Babajide disclosed that Nigeria’s interest came at a crucial stage in her career.
“When I decided to move abroad after leaving Liverpool, Nigeria reached out to me, and it felt like the right step,” she said. “It was an opportunity to represent Nigeria, which is a huge honour, and also to reconnect with my culture and identity.”
Babajide currently plays club football for AS Roma Women.
Reports indicate that the Nigeria Football Federation had tracked her development for years. However, her agent initially encouraged her to remain with England, believing she had a strong chance of breaking into the senior team.
She first gained widespread attention in 2016 after netting 14 goals for the University of East London women’s team in a standout campaign that included a remarkable 40–0 win over University College London.
Her switch has since proven fruitful. Babajide was part of Nigeria’s squad that won the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, marking her first major international tournament with the Super Falcons. She scored her maiden senior international goal during the group-stage match against Tunisia and later paid tribute to the late Liverpool player Diogo Jota.
Describing the WAFCON triumph as the proudest achievement of her career, Babajide said lifting the trophy at her first major tournament stands as her most memorable moment so far.
Looking ahead, she has set her sights on competing at the Olympic Games and the FIFA Women’s World Cup. For Babajide, playing for Nigeria goes beyond football—it represents identity, pride and a deep connection to her roots, a journey she considers the highlight of her growing career.