I Chose My Roots” – Ex-Liverpool FC Star Rinsola Babajide Opens Up On England Switch

Former Liverpool FC forward Rinsola Babajide has explained her decision to switch international allegiance from England to Nigeria, citing her ambition to compete at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and reconnect with her heritage as key motivations behind the move.

According to Ireporter Online, Babajide, who was born in London, previously represented England at several youth levels before receiving FIFA approval to change her international association. She featured prominently for the Young Lionesses, helping the side secure a bronze medal at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, and also earned caps at the U-18, U-19 and U-23 levels. Despite attending two senior Lionesses training camps, a full senior debut for England did not materialise.

Her breakthrough at senior international level eventually came with Nigeria when she made her debut for the Super Falcons during an Olympic qualifier against Ethiopia in October 2023. In an interview with 49th Street, Babajide disclosed that Nigeria’s approach came at a defining moment in her career, particularly after her departure from Liverpool and decision to continue her career abroad.

She described the opportunity to represent Nigeria as both an honour and a personal journey of self-discovery, noting that it allowed her to strengthen her connection to her culture and identity. Babajide currently plays club football for AS Roma Women.

Reports indicate that the Nigeria Football Federation had tracked her development for several years. However, her agent had initially encouraged her to remain committed to England, expressing confidence in her chances of breaking into the senior squad.

Babajide first drew widespread attention in 2016 after an outstanding season with the University of East London women’s team, where she netted 14 goals, including during a remarkable 40–0 victory over University College London.

Since switching allegiance, her career with Nigeria has gathered momentum. She was part of the Super Falcons squad that clinched the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title, marking her first major tournament with the team. She also registered her maiden senior international goal in a group-stage encounter against Tunisia and paid tribute to the late Liverpool player, Diogo Jota, in an emotional message.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s triumph, Babajide described lifting the WAFCON trophy as the proudest moment of her career, emphasising that representing Nigeria transcends football and embodies pride, identity and a deep-rooted connection to her ancestry. With a continental medal now secured, she has set her sights on competing at the Olympic Games and the FIFA Women’s World Cup, expressing optimism about achieving greater milestones with the Super Falcons.