Rinsola Babajide, the talented forward, radiated joy and pride after securing her first-ever goal for the Super Falcons during an exhilarating match against Tunisia in Group B of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) held in Morocco. It was a momentous occasion as Babajide not only scored a goal but also contributed an assist that propelled the Super Falcons to victory with a resounding 3-0 win over Tunisia.
The match kicked off on an electrifying note as Babajide showcased her exceptional skills early on. In the fourth minute, she delivered a precise set-piece that led to Asisat Oshoala netting the opening goal. The crowd roared with excitement witnessing Babajide’s strategic playmaking abilities. However, she was far from done. Just before the halftime whistle blew, Babajide astounded spectators once again by scoring a sensational goal herself, doubling Nigeria’s lead to 2-0. Receiving a pass on the left flank, she swiftly maneuvered into the box and unleashed a powerful shot that left the Tunisian goalkeeper rooted to her spot as it found its way into the back of the net.
Reflecting on this remarkable milestone in her career, Babajide took to social media to express her elation and gratitude, stating,
“A dream start & debut! Over the moon to have scored my first international goal for my country WHAT A FEELING!!! Thank you God for giving us this day.”
Her passion for representing Nigeria on the international stage shone through brightly in her words.
Despite being relatively new to the Super Falcons squad, having received her first call-up in October 2023 and making her debut shortly after during Olympic qualifying matches in 2024, Babajide has already made an indelible mark with her performance. Her journey in football has been nothing short of impressive – from clinching bronze with England U20s at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in 2018 to earning recognition at training camps for England’s senior team.
Having previously honed her skills with renowned English women’s football clubs such as Liverpool, Millwall Lionesses, Watford, and Brighton & Hove Albion, Babajide currently plies her trade with Spanish outfit Tenerife after signing a lucrative two-year deal in 2023. Her transition to playing abroad signifies both personal growth and professional development as she continues to evolve as a player on an international platform.
Babajide’s outstanding performance at WAFCON 2024 not only solidified her position within the Super Falcons but also highlighted her potential as a rising star in women’s football globally. As she continues to dazzle fans with her skillful play and unwavering dedication, Babajide exemplifies resilience and excellence on and off the field.
