Match Highlights & Debut Impact
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Debut start for Nigeria: Selected among 11 debutants, Babajide started for the Super Falcons in their opening Group B match at WAFCON 2024 in Casablanca, Morocco. She had previously debuted in October 2023 and scored on her major tournament debut today.
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Goal & assist: She set up Asisat Oshoala’s early opener with a well-placed pass and sealed the 2-0 lead just before halftime with a low, clinical finish past the Tunisian keeper.
The Tribute: Honouring Diogo Jota
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After her goal, Babajide performed Diogo Jota’s iconic "binoculars" gesture—mirroring the celebration of the late Liverpool and Portugal forward who tragically died alongside his brother Andre Silva on July 3.
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The celebration deeply moved fans. One commenter wrote:
“A goal and an assist for the beautiful ebony. What a nice way making one’s debut”.
Player Profile & Emotional Context
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Background: Born in London in 1998, 25‑year‑old Babajide joined Tenerife in 2023. The former England youth international opted to play for Nigeria, earning her senior debut last October
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Personal connection: A devoted Liverpool fan during her time at Liverpool FC Women (2018–22), Babajide expressed her admiration and grief on X (Twitter), calling the selection to WAFCON "the greatest honour" and emphasising her intent to contribute goals, assists, and passion.
Significance & What It Means
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Boost for Super Falcons: Babajide’s performance demonstrated her quality and versatility—scoring, creating, and offering emotional leadership in her debut. Nigeria now top Group B and look strong as they aim for their 10th title.
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Inspiring solidarity: Her tribute reflects football’s global unity in mourning Jota. Players like Ousmane Dembélé, Diogo Gonçalves, and others have performed the same gesture, uniting men’s and women’s football in shared grief and respect.
We look forward to more moments of brilliance—and hope her strong debut sets the tone for a landmark tournament for both her and the Super Falcons.