AFCON 2025
Former Liverpool winger, Rinsola Babajide has shared her excitement after scoring her first international goal for Nigeria in a resounding 3–0 victory against Tunisia during the Super Falcons’ Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) opener.
Babajide, 27, who made her debut in October 2023 after switching allegiance from England, made a massive impact in Casablanca on Sunday.
She first provided the assist for Asisat Oshoala’s early opener, delivering a pinpoint free‑kick that set the tone just four minutes into the match.
Then, in the 45th minute, Babajide doubled Nigeria’s lead with a composed and confident strike past the Tunisian goalkeeper, a breakthrough that she had been eagerly anticipating.
“I’ve had a few appearances and assists, but that first goal was missing. I’m just happy it’s out of the way now,” she said in a post-match interview.
“A dream start and 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,” Babajide wrote on her X (formerly Twitter) account on July 7, 2025.
Babajide’s celebration also carried emotional weight. The winger paid tribute to the late Liverpool and Portugal star Diogo Jota by replicating his signature “game pad” celebration—a meaningful gesture for her, having worn the same No. 20 shirt at Liverpool from 2018 to 2022.
“It was for Diogo Jota and his brother as well… I just wanted to do something for him. He was one of my favourite players when I was at Liverpool,” Babajide revealed.
