Rinsola Scores Debut WAFCON Goal, Pays Tribute to Late Liverpool Striker, Diogo JotaSuper Falcons forward Rinsola Babajide opened her Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) account in stunning fashion on Friday, netting her first-ever goal for Nigeria during their Group A opener against Tunisia in Morocco.
Making her tournament debut, Babajide showed blistering pace and power in the 45th minute, racing past two Tunisian defenders before unleashing a right-footed drive to the near post that left the goalkeeper with no chance.
Her goal doubled Nigeria’s lead just before halftime, following an early opener from team captain Asisat Oshoala.
The 26-year-old winger, who previously represented England at youth level before switching allegiance to Nigeria in 2023.
The forward used the special moment to pay tribute to the late Liverpool striker Diogo Jota.
Babajide celebrated her goal in the same signature style the Portuguese forward was known for, in what was an emotional nod to the Anfield fan-favourite, who passed away on Thursday.
The goal not only marked a personal milestone for Babajide but also underscored her growing importance in the Super Falcons squad as they begin their hunt for a record-extending 10th WAFCON title.
The football world was shaken on Thursday July 3, 2025, when Diogo Jota, 28, and his younger brother André Silva, 25, tragically died in a high-speed collision in Zamora, northwestern Spain.
The pair were traveling in a Lamborghini Huracán en route to catch a ferry to the UK when a suspected tyre blowout occurred while overtaking another vehicle on the A‑52 motorway near Cernadilla.
The car veered off, burst into flames, and both brothers lost their lives at the scene.
By replicating Jota’s famed gesture, Babajide offered a poignant homage—connecting her moment of triumph with a broader sense of loss touching the global football family.
It was a tribute not only to a fallen icon but also a reminder of football’s power to unite, even amidst deep sorrow.
