Rinsola Babajide sends Nigeria Women’s World Cup message with superb goal

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria-eligible striker Rinsola Babajide has fired in a stunning goal to send an ‘invite me’ message to manager Randy Waldrum ahead of the 2023 Women’s World Cup with her latest strike for Real Betis on Saturday.

The English-born forward Babajide scored her fourth league goal of the season for Spanish Liga F side despite they succumbed to a 2-1 loss to Rasheedat Ajibade’s Atletico Madrid at Metropolitano Stadium.

After a goalless first half, it was the visitors which find the breakthrough four minutes from full-time.

Babajide opened the scoring for Betis in the 86th minute off Carmen Alvarez’s assist. Two goals in the additional minutes of the second half completed the hosts’ comeback.

Marta Cardona equalised in the 90th minute before scoring the winning goal in the 92nd minute. Ajibade saw full 90 minutes for the Madrid based outfit but couldn’t add to her four goals in 13 league appearances.

Rinsola also played for the duration of the match for Betis as she has scored four goals and provided an assist in 14 league encounters this season.

Although represented England at various youth levels, Babajide is also eligible to represent Nigeria through her parents and could fancy her senior international chance with the Super Falcons in Australia/New Zealand.

“Ending the year with a goal and loads of lessons, time to recharge during the Christmas break and come back better in the New Year, see you soon Béticos,” she said after the game.

Atletico Madrid occupy the fourth position on the Spanish Liga F table with 26 points after 13 games while Betis seat in the tenth position with 13 points after 13 games.