Nigerian Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi and Super Falcons midfielder Christy Ucheibe are among several notable sports personalities who have expressed their delight over Rinsola Babajide’s debut for Nigeria.
Both players responded to the Tenerife striker’s comment on her Instagram page on Thursday, a day after she made history in the 2024 Olympic Games qualifying second round first leg tie against Ethiopia in Addis Ababa.
“Proud moment for me and my family making my debut! 25.10.23. A date to cherish forever Psalm 118:1 
#RB9 #SuperFalcons #NGA #PumaFootball #Babajide9,” stated the 25-year-old, who started the match on the bench up until the 71st minutes, when she came on for Uchenna Kanu in the 1-1 draw at Abebe Bikila Stadium.
The post has elicited almost 200 comments from her well wishes, including Iwobi, who simply stated, “Proud”, while Ucheibe of SL Benfica Feminino wrote, “God is able”.
Despite her cameo role in the pulsating encounter, Rinsola showed touches of class, leaving everyone with the conviction she will be a major pin-up given more playing during the reverse game.
She watched from the bench as Birkie Amare gave Ethiopia the lead in the 6th minute and Rasheedat Ajibade drew Nigeria level in the 51 minute with a ferocious strike from about 25 yards out.
The Super Falcons, who were without several key players and held just one full training session prior to the match, will host the second leg of the second-round fixture at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja, on Tuesday, October 31.
The winner on aggregate will confront the winner of the fixture between Uganda and Cameroon, who drew bye to the first round, while Uganda overpowered Rwanda 4-3 on aggregate.
The Super Falcons failed to qualify for the last two editions of the Olympic Games. They have made three appearances at the Centenary Sports Fiesta since making their debut in 2000, with a quarter-final finish at the 2004 edition being their best result.
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