Asisat Oshoala: A Sportswoman Par Excellence

Asisat Oshoala is a Nigerian footballer who has proven that hardwork and consistency guarantee success. Her talent on the pitch has not gone unnoticed. She has been rewarded for being a brilliant player over the years. Recently, she bagged the 2021/2022 Women’s Spanish Primera Division Pichichi Award for the league’s top scorer, alongside Brazilian Geyse Ferreira.

While Oshoala scored 20 goals in 19 league appearances, Ferreira scored 20 goals in 27 appearances for Madrid CFF. This makes Oshoala the first African to win the award.  

Background

Born on October 9, 1994 in Ikorodu, Lagos, Oshoala had her primary education at Air Force Primary School, Victoria Island. Thereafter, she had her secondary education in Aunty Ayo International School, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Career

She started her football career at Nigerian Lower Division side, FC Robo, where she played from 2009 to 2013. Then, she moved to Rivers Angels where she gained more recognition.

She made her first national team appearance at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Canada. At the tournament, she scored the highest goals and was named the Player of the Tournament.

She joined the senior national team at the 2014 African Women’s Championship. She became the tournament’s best player and second top goal scorer. On January 23, 2015, Oshoala joined Liverpool in England Women’s Super League. She later became the first player from an African nation to compete in the top women’s league in England.

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In March 2016, Oshoala signed with Arsenal and helped her team to win the 2016 FA Women’s Cup. On February 10, 2017, she joined Chinese club, Dailan, and was instrumental in their league win that season. Hence, she won the league’s Golden Boot award for being the top goal scorer.

In March 2022, Oshoala signed a new contract with Spanish club, Barcelona Femeni, till the end of the 2023-2024 season.

Accolades:

Liverpool women’s club manager, Matt Beard, described Oshoala as “one of the best young players in the world.”

Former Arsenal women’s club manager, Pedro Losa said she is “a fantastic talent and will be a great addition to our squad. She is quick, with excellent feet and has proven she can score goals.”

Oshoala’s achievement is evidence that beyond being a skillful player, she is determined to make a name for herself. This, she has done successfully. A sportswoman par excellence, she is. Truly.