‘We’ll Bounce Back’: Babajide Turns WAFCON Heartbreak Into Olympic Focus

By TAYO TAIWO (T. T.) OLUWOLE

SUPER Falcons forward Rinsola Babajide has turned her attention to the Olympic Games qualifiers after Nigeria’s disappointing outing at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The attacker admitted that the team’s failure to secure a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup through the continental route was painful.

Babajide, however, said the setback would not define the Super Falcons.

She expressed gratitude for another opportunity to represent Nigeria at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, despite the disappointment that followed the campaign.

“Heartbroken to say the least,” Babajide said.

“It really hurts to miss out on a World Cup spot, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent my country at yet another WAFCON.”

The forward acknowledged that the tournament did not produce the result the players and supporters had hoped for.

Still, she insisted that the team would recover from the setback and return stronger.

“We might be down right now, but we’ll definitely bounce back, the only way we know how to, the Naija way,” she said.

Babajide believes the next step is for the players to assess what went wrong and prepare for the challenges ahead.

She said the team must now reset and direct its energy towards the Olympic Games qualifiers.

“Time to reset, reflect and work ahead towards the Olympic qualifiers,” she added.

The forward also thanked Nigerian supporters who stood by the Super Falcons throughout the tournament.

She acknowledged the fans who followed the team from the stands and those who offered support from home.

Nigeria must now put its WAFCON disappointment behind and begin preparations for another demanding qualification campaign.

For Babajide and her teammates, the Olympic qualifiers offer an immediate opportunity to respond to the setback and restore confidence.

The Super Falcons will be expected to regroup quickly, learn from their recent experience and approach the next challenge with renewed determination.

Babajide has made her position clear: the disappointment remains painful, but the focus has already shifted to the road ahead.