“I’ve been blessed’ – Ex-Liverpool star on picking Nigeria over England
Retold by Oddsrama · 7 July 2026
Rinsola Babajide's switch from England to Nigeria has proven to be a career-defining move, and she's not shy about celebrating it. The AS Roma winger, who came through Liverpool's academy and starred in the English system from youth level through to senior football, made the leap to represent the Super Falcons in 2023—and hasn't looked back since. Speaking ahead of Nigeria's bid to defend their WAFCON title in Morocco this month, Babajide reflected on a journey that saw her choose her heritage over the nation of her birth.
There's no regret in her words. Babajide acknowledges that England gave her the platform to develop her craft—from grassroots football through spells at Crystal Palace, Millwall, Watford, and her breakthrough at Liverpool, where she won Player of the Season in 2019/20. She even represented the Three Lionesses at youth level and featured in England's bronze-medal squad at the 2018 U-20 World Cup. But once she moved to Spain's Real Betis in 2022, the decision crystallized: she wanted to play for Nigeria. Since switching in 2023, she's been central to the Super Falcons' success, including their record-extending 10th WAFCON triumph last year in Morocco.
Now with Italian champions Roma, Babajide is preparing for July's expanded 16-team WAFCON tournament, which doubles as a World Cup qualifier. Nigeria's objective is clear—retain the trophy and secure their place at the 2027 finals. The 27-year-old believes the wider competition increases the stakes, but the Super Falcons' internal pressure remains unchanged: deliver on their championship pedigree. For bettors tracking the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria's proven experience and Babajide's clinical form from Roma make them a formidable force heading into Morocco.
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