From Spain to Italy, Super Falcons forward new chapter – goals, ambition and hunger for silverware
When Rinsola Babajide signed a two‑year deal with AS Roma in July 2025, there was expectation and hope in equal measure. For the Nigerian Super Falcons forward, the move signified not just a change of club, but a stage to prove she can perform among Europe’s elite. As the Serie A Women season unfolds, her early performances suggest she’s off to a strong beginning.
How It All Started
Babajide arrived at Roma on a free transfer after her contract with UDG Tenerife expired in May 2025. At Tenerife she had been in fine form; scoring 10 goals and providing 5 assists in 26 league appearances in the 2024/25 season.
Her move to Italy also came with a clear purpose. Babajide, speaking in September 2025, said she joined Roma “to get silverware… to either maintain that level [of scoring] or get better… to be a starter and play the best I can for myself and for my team.”
First Scores In Italy
Her introduction to Serie A was emphatic. On October 4, 2025, against Parma at the Stadio Tre Fontane, Babajide made her league debut and scored just before the half‑hour mark. She rose highest to head in a cross from Manuela Giugliano in the 28th minute, doubling Roma’s lead in what became a 4‑0 win.
Before that, she had already opened her Roma account in the Coppa Italia: a goal in a 3‑0 quarter‑final win over Sassuolo.
Statistics & Early Impact
Though still early in the season, Babajide’s numbers show promise:
- In Serie A Women, she has played 1 match, logged approximately 77 minutes, and scored 1 goal.
- In the UEFA Women’s Champions League, she has featured in 4 matches, played ~201 minutes, and provided 2 assists.
- Her expected goals (xG) per 90 in Serie A are very strong; in that single appearance she is recorded in high percentiles for goal involvement.
Style & What She Brings
Babajide is known for her pace, aerial ability, and versatility in attack. Her debut goal vs Parma via a header; showed off her timing and ability in the box. She also has experience playing both wings and inside, which gives Roma flexibility when planning lineups.
Her experience in Spain’s Liga F, where she was a regular goal threat, has helped sharpen her attacking instincts. She is not new to high stakes. She was part of Nigeria’s squad in the recent WAFCON, and she has been building consistency for some seasons now.
Challenges Ahead
- Consistency over season: One goal is a good start, but Roma will expect more across the league, especially in home and away fixtures.
- Adapting to Italian defenses: Serie A Women is known for tactical discipline. Breaking down compact lines will test her decision making and movement.
- Rotation and minutes: With Roma targeting silverware in several competitions (league, cup, possibly Champions League), Babajide must fight for starting time and maintain fitness.
What This Means For Roma & Babajide
Roma see her as part of a push to reclaim dominance in women’s football in Italy. For Babajide, this is a chance to cement her reputation, earn trophies, and further her international standing. If she can build on her early impact; scoring in both cup and league then her move to Roma could be the springboard to her best ever season.
Rinsola Babajide’s early days at AS Roma have shown all the promise many expected. From scoring in her league debut, to contributing in continental games, she is making a statement: she belongs. As the 2025/26 Serie A Women season continues, all eyes will be on whether she can keep delivering, stay sharp, and help Roma lift more silverware. For Nigeria, her rise adds yet another bright star in the making.
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