Super Falcons striker and Rinsola Babajide took center stage, delivering a goal and an assist to guide UD Tenerife to an emphatic 4-1 victory over Espanyol in Liga F.
Babajide wasted no time making an impact, playing a key role in Tenerife’s attacking display despite her compatriot Gift Monday’s departure.
She set up the team’s second goal before finding the net herself, showcasing her ability to influence the game in decisive moments.
Despite missing a penalty in the 61st minute, she remained unfazed and later redeemed herself by scoring Tenerife’s fourth goal in the 82nd minute.
Babajide taking shot in Spain’s Liga F. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Tenerife’s Dominant Performance
Tenerife took the lead in the 32nd minute when Raquel Pisco calmly converted a penalty. Just six minutes later, Claudia Iglesias doubled the advantage, giving the home side a comfortable cushion before halftime.
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Espanyol briefly threatened a comeback early in the second half through Lice Chamorro, but any hopes of a turnaround were quickly dashed as Linnéa Solvoll Laupstad restored Tenerife’s two-goal lead just four minutes later.
Babajide’s late strike then sealed a commanding victory for the hosts.
Gift Monday Moves to Washington Spirit
While Babajide stepped up in Monday’s absence, Tenerife will now have to adjust permanently after the Super Falcons striker completed a move to the United States, signing a three-year contract with Washington Spirit from UD Tenerife.
The deal, which includes a team option for 2028, marks the latest step in Monday’s rising career.
Gift Monday playing for the Super Falcons. Photo Credit: Imago
The 23-year-old forward impressed in Liga F, scoring 10 goals and providing three assists in 19 league appearances this season. Her standout performances earned her the Liga F Player of the Month award for February.
Since joining Tenerife in 2022, Monday recorded 26 goal contributions (goals and assists) in 65 appearances, making her one of the club’s most influential players.
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Her departure opens the door for Babajide to take on an even bigger role in Tenerife’s attack moving forward. Babajide now boasts 13 goal contributions this season—9 goals and 4 assists—further proving her importance to the team.
More significantly, she has stepped up in Gift Monday’s absence, ensuring Tenerife remains competitive in the league.
The victory lifts UD Tenerife to sixth place in Liga F with 46 points, strengthening their push for a strong finish this season.
