Rinsola Babajide: Why former Liverpool star chose Nigeria over England

Super Falcons star Rinsola Babajide says choosing to represent Nigeria instead of England was an easy decision because of her deep cultural roots and childhood dreams, Afrik-Foot reports.

Born in London to Nigerian parents, Babajide rose through England’s youth ranks, playing for the Young Lionesses at Under-18, Under-19 and Under-23 levels.

She was also part of the England squad that finished third at the 2018 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup and attended senior Lionesses training camps.

Despite that progress, her international future changed direction after she left Liverpool and moved abroad to continue her club career. At that point, Nigeria renewed their long-standing interest in her.

“So 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,” the former Liverpool forward said in a chat with the 49th Street.

“It gave me the opportunity to not only represent Nigeria, which is a great honour, but also to connect with my culture and myself.”

The Nigeria Football Federation had tracked her development for years, although earlier advice suggested she remain with England because of a potential pathway into the senior team. However, Babajide’s desire to play at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, a competition she grew up watching, ultimately shaped her decision.

Her senior debut for the Super Falcons came in October 2023 during an Olympic qualifier against Ethiopia, marking the beginning of a new international chapter.

Rinsola Babajide: WAFCON glory, career highlight

Babajide quickly made her mark with Nigeria, helping the Super Falcons win the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, a moment she describes as the proudest achievement of her career so far.

“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.”

During the tournament, she scored her first international goal in a group-stage victory against Tunisia, celebrating with an emotional tribute to former Liverpool forward Diogo Jota.

Babajide’s journey has taken her across several clubs, from Crystal Palace and Millwall Lionesses to Watford, Liverpool and Brighton, before spells in Spain and her current move to AS Roma. Known for her pace and attacking flair, the winger now hopes to achieve even more with Nigeria.

With a WAFCON winner’s medal secured, her next ambitions are clear, representing the Super Falcons at both the Olympic Games and the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Babajide featured on Saturday in Nigeria’s 1-0 loss to Cameroon, a preparatory for the Super Falcons ahead of the 2026 WAFCON.