Rinsola Babajide explains decision to represent Nigeria over England
6th September 2025
Super Falcons winger Rinsola Babajide insists it was a no-brainer for her to represent Nigeria at senior level, even though she was born and raised in London, England.
The AS Roma attacker also represented England at the 2018 U20 FIFA Women's World Cup, where she picked up a bronze medal.
However, she switched allegiances in October 2023 when she made her debut for Nigeria in the Olympic Qualifiers before turning out at the recent 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, and says the West African team's strides in women's football encouraged her switch.
"It was literally always at the back of my mind because here I was, very happy playing for England, I loved everything as well. They made feel welcome, but there was always a part of me that wanted to know more about my culture and me because I'm Nigerian first," Babajide, whose parents are both Nigerian, told SABC Sport.
"I've always wanted to go back home, I've never had the opportunity to do that and seeing how successful they've been history-wise as well, I've just always wanted to be in such a successful team really."
The Super Falcons clinched their 10th WAFCON title in July, and the 27-year-old says they made it clear from the beginning that their intention was to win.
"When we were there, we were asked what our purpose was and what we want as an end goal for all of us, and everyone confidently said 'We wanna win,'" she revealed.
"I've never been in a team like that where everyone is so confidently wanting to win and they believe it as well. It was a great experience.
"For me, as well where I am in my career, I want to start winning silverware. I was fortunate to be selected for such a great tournament that I've wanted to play in for years. So, yeah, it was my first WAFCON and my first piece of silverware as a senior player."
