Rinsola Babajide stole the headlines with a standout performance in Nigeria’s 3–0 win over Tunisia at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations opener, but it is her celebration that has sparked a heated debate, Footynaija.com reports.
Babajide, who spent four years at Liverpool between 2018 and 2022, scored Nigeria’s second goal of the game after VAR overturned an initial disallowance.
The 27-year-old winger, who scored and assisted in the 3–0 win over Tunisia, first kissed the Super Falcons badge before paying tribute to her late former teammate, Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car crash earlier this month.
While many praised her sentiment towards the late Portuguese forward, the choice not to dedicate her celebration to former Nigeria goalkeeper Peter Rufai, who died on the same day, triggered mixed reactions among fans.
Asisat Oshoala, who opened the scoring, honoured the ex-Super Eagle by wearing a hand band in remembrance of the iconic 1994 AFCON winner and two-time World Cup goalkeeper, whose death was acknowledged with a pre-match moment of silence.
In contrast, Babajide’s post-goal actions have drawn criticism on social media, with some fans questioning her priorities. Rufai, who made 65 appearances for the Super Eagles and helped Nigeria win AFCON in 1994, was more than just a former footballer; he was a national icon.
Still, Babajide’s Liverpool roots remain an important part of her journey, and for her, honouring Jota was a genuine, heartfelt moment. Whether it was right or wrong will remain a topic for fans to debate.