Former Liverpool forward Rinsola Babajide has opened up on her decision to switch international allegiance from England to Nigeria, saying her desire to play at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and reconnect with her roots influenced the move.

Babajide, who was born in London, had represented England at various youth levels before FIFA approved her change of association.

The winger was part of the Young Lionesses squad that clinched bronze at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and also featured for England at the U-18, U-19 and U-23 levels.

Before making the switch, she had earned several caps across those age-grade teams and was invited to two senior Lionesses training sessions.

However, her senior international breakthrough eventually came with Nigeria when she made her debut for the Super Falcons in an Olympic qualifier against Ethiopia in October 2023.

Speaking with 49th Street, Babajide revealed that Nigeria’s approach came at a pivotal moment in her career.

“When I finally decided to move abroad because of what happened when I left Liverpool, Nigeria reached out to me, and it felt like an obvious choice,” she said.

“It gave me the chance to not only represent Nigeria, which is a big honour, but also to get closer to my culture and myself.”

Babajide currently plays her club football for Italian side AS Roma Women.

The Nigeria Football Federation had reportedly monitored her progress for years.

However, her agent initially advised her to remain with England, believing she stood a strong chance of breaking into the senior squad.

Babajide first caught the attention of many Nigerians in 2016 after scoring 14 goals for the University of East London women’s football team in a remarkable season that included a 40–0 victory over University College London.

Her decision has since paid dividends. Babajide was part of Nigeria’s squad that won the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, marking her first major international tournament with the Super Falcons.

She scored her first senior international goal during the group-stage clash against Tunisia and later shared a heartfelt tribute in memory of the late Liverpool player, Diogo Jota.

Reflecting on the achievement, Babajide described the title win as the proudest moment of her career.

“I’m Nigerian. It was a huge accomplishment and Mission X was very successful, but it’s still the best part of my career so far,” she said.

“The proudest moment of my career so far was definitely lifting the WAFCON trophy in my very first major tournament. That has to be the best one.”

Now with a WAFCON medal in her cabinet, Babajide has set her sights on bigger stages, the Olympic Games and the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

For the forward, representing Nigeria is more than football; it is about identity, pride and a deeper connection to her heritage, a journey she says has already become the highlight of her blossoming career.