AS Roma have officially confirmed the signing of Super Falcons winger, Rinsola Babajide, following her exit from Spanish side Costa Adeje Tenerife.
The 27-year-old brings her two-year spell in Spain to a close after leaving Tenerife in May, and is now set to begin a fresh chapter in the Italian Serie A.
Roma announced her arrival in an official statement released on Monday, welcoming the Nigerian international to the club.
“AS Roma are delighted to announce the signing of Omorinsola Omowunmi Ajike Babajide, known as Rinsola Babajide. The player has penned a deal that will keep her at the club until 30 June 2027,” the club said.
Babajide, a pacey winger by trade, began her professional journey in England, where she played for clubs including Millwall, Watford, Liverpool, and Brighton & Hove Albion. She later took her talents to Spain, turning out for Real Betis before joining Tenerife, her most recent club.
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Speaking on her move to Italy, Babajide expressed her excitement: “It’s an honour to be honest. It’s a Champions League club, a prestigious club as well so I’m very happy to be here.”
She added that Serie A’s competitiveness and technical style appealed to her: “I feel like it’s similar to the Spanish league, everyone’s technical, it’s a competitive league as well so I can’t wait to get started.”
“Just being in Rome alone is precious, it’s an amazing experience. Even with the team, gelling well with the girls, securing the Champions League spot, trying to win as much silverware as possible in the league and cup games.”
Describing her playing style, Babajide said: “I’m more of a direct, speedy, technical player, down the wing, I love to beat players 1v1, cross the ball in, as well as get shots and goals.”
Looking ahead to her goals with the club, Babajide emphasised her hunger for success: “Winning silverware, I feel like that’s the most important thing for the team, to win as much trophies as possible. Personally, I want to contribute towards the team, do better than I did last season.”
Rinsola Babajide is set to reunite with fellow Super Falcons star Shukurat Oladipo at AS Roma, following in the footsteps of the midfielder who joined the Italian giants in February. But for now, both players have their eyes firmly set on national duty as they represent Nigeria at the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Babajide wasted no time making her presence felt at the tournament, scoring on her WAFCON debut against Tunisia. With a crucial quarterfinal showdown against Zambia looming on Friday, the dynamic forward will be hoping to build on her impressive start and play a key role in propelling the Falcons into the semifinals.