National Teams
“Blacklist” — Omorinsola Babajide reacts to Paris 2024 Olympic snub in style
By Monsurah Olatunji
Nigerian international star, Omorinsola Babajide, has responded to her Olympic snub with grace and determination.
The 26-year-old forward was not selected for the Olympic Games as head coach Randy Waldrum revealed his final team for the women’s football competition in France.
Babajide’s omission comes after a delay in her allegiance switch documentation, causing her to miss the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Despite this setback, the UD Tenerife star made her debut for the Super Falcons later in the year during the 2024 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament qualifying game against Ethiopia, having switched her allegiance from England to Nigeria.
Babajide previously represented England at the U19, U20, and U21 levels and was part of the England U20 squad that claimed bronze at the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
In anticipation of the Paris Olympics, Babajide had expressed her excitement, sharing a post that read, “The Paris Olympics are just 50 days away. Excited?” However, she appeared unfazed by the snub, as she enjoyed her vacation in Malta following her successful efforts in helping UD Tenerife avoid relegation from the Primera División de la Liga de Fútbol Femenino.
In a recent social media post, she shared a photo with the message, “Blacklist 🩵🦋” and retweeted a post stating, “Focus on improving yourself, not proving yourself.” This reflects her positive attitude and focus on personal growth despite the disappointment.
Born in London, Babajide’s football journey began with Millwall Lionesses Ladies after transferring from Crystal Palace Ladies in January 2015. She made her professional debut on March 18, 2015, against the London Bees in an FA WSL match.
Before her move to Tenerife on July 3, 2023, Babajide played for several clubs, including Liverpool, Watford, Brighton and Hove Albion, and Real Betis.
