Rinsola Babajide aims for WAFCON success and World Cup spot

Super Falcons forward Rinsola Babajide says qualifying for the next FIFA Women’s World Cup will motivate Nigeria as they prepare for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The tournament will run from July 25 to August 16 and will have 16 teams competing for the first time. This is an increase from 12 teams, and there are World Cup spots up for grabs.

Babajide spoke to the Nigerian Football Federation about the new format. She believes it will make the competition tougher, but Nigeria's goal is still to defend their title. “I think it makes it more exciting. We all know that this year’s Women AFCON is also for qualification to the World Cup finals. Of course, we all want to be there. I think it will make it more competitive but for us, the goal remains the same,” Babajide said.

She added, “For us as a team, whether we are playing just to be crowned champions of Africa or for qualification to next year’s World Cup, the pressure is the same as we want to win. The only pressure actually is the one we put on ourselves. We know what we signed up for as professionals and being the defending champions, we want to retain our trophy.”

Babajide was part of the Super Falcons team that won the continental title in Morocco last year. She shared that her football journey in England and Nigeria has made her a better player. “I’ve been blessed to have the best of two worlds. England helped me develop my game from age-grade football; I am forever grateful for that.”

The 27-year-old said that her experiences in both countries have taught her about resilience and professionalism. “I have learnt resilience and professionalism in both environments and these make me a better player and a better person. We know what it takes to win and as a team, we will give it our all in Morocco to retain the trophy. We are all determined to make Nigeria proud in Morocco.”

The Super Falcons are heading to Morocco to defend their title and also to qualify for the next FIFA Women’s World Cup. Nigeria is in Group C with Malawi, Zambia, and Egypt. Coach Justine Madugu’s team will kick off their campaign against Malawi, who are making their tournament debut, in Rabat on Tuesday, July 28.