Rinsola Babajide, a former England U23 international, expressed her deep appreciation for the overwhelming support she’s received following her selection to Nigeria’s 2024 Women’s Olympic Football qualifier squad against Ethiopia. Chosen as one of the 22 players by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Babajide, who faced the pivotal choice of representing England or Nigeria, showcased her remarkable talent back in 2016 with a sensational 14-goal performance for the University of East London women’s football team.
Babajide’s professional journey commenced with Liverpool on January 25, 2018, where she quickly became the team’s second-highest goal scorer during the 2018–19 Women’s Super League (WSL) season. Despite her success, her loan spell with Brighton & Hove Albion came to an abrupt conclusion, prompting her to explore opportunities with the Spanish team, Real Betis.
Her reputation as a rapid winger was solidified when she contributed to England’s bronze medal win at the 2018 FIFA Under 20 Women’s World Cup. Her stellar displays with Liverpool earned her a prized call-up to the England Women’s training camp, following her coronation as the Reds’ Player of the Season for 2019/2020.
Nonetheless, Babajide’s opportunities dwindled when Liverpool faced relegation from the WSL. In 2021, her determination led her to seek a move away, aiming to bolster her chances of returning to the Lionesses. Her commitment was evident as she even represented the U23 side as recently as April 2022.
Reflecting on her selection, Babajide shared, “The love I’ve been feeling has been overwhelming. Thank you so much.” One of the well-wishers, Fulham and Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi, responded with pride, writing, “Proud!”
With her remarkable speed and skills, Babajide’s addition to UD Tenerife this summer promises to bring an extra dimension of pace and competition to the Super Falcons’ forward line.
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC); Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia); Monle Oyono (Bayelsa Queens)
Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca FC, Mexico); Comfort Folorunsho (Edo Queens); Oluwatosin Demehin (Stade de Reims, France); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Nicole Payne (Paris Saint Germain, France); Jumoke Alani (Edo Queens); Rofiat Imuran (Stade de Reims, France)
Midfielders: Halimatu Ayinde (Rosengard FC, Sweden); Peace Efih (Sporting Club de Braga, Portugal); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid FC, Spain); Toni Payne (Sevilla FC, Spain); Regina Otu (AS Saint Etienne, France)
Forwards: Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Ifeoma Onumonu (NY/NJ Gotham FC, USA); Asisat Oshoala (FC Barcelona Feminine, Spain); Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville, USA); Gift Monday ((Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Opeyemi Ajakaye (FC Robo Queens)
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