Nigeria’s most decorated female footballer, Asisat Oshoala, has embarked on a new chapter by signing with Al-Hilal in the Saudi Women’s Premier League.
The move comes after a single but impactful season at Bay FC in the United States, where the 30-year-old forward became a trailblazer for the expansion team.
Although financial terms were not disclosed, Oshoala penned a two-year deal with the Riyadh-based club, officially ending her stint in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Her transfer marks yet another milestone in a career filled with groundbreaking achievements, from Barcelona to Bay FC and now to Saudi Arabia.
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Oshoala’s impactful year at Bay FC
Before arriving in California in 2024, Oshoala already carried a reputation as one of Africa’s greatest players. At Barcelona, she collected two UEFA Women’s Champions League titles while establishing herself as a prolific striker on the European stage. Her switch to Bay FC gave the club instant credibility, and she delivered in style.
She wrote her name into history by scoring Bay FC’s first-ever franchise goal on March 17, 2024, just 17 minutes into a clash with Angel City. By the season’s end, she had registered a team-high seven goals.
Notably, Bay FC’s sporting director, Matt Patter, paid tribute to Oshoala’s influence both on and off the pitch.
“Asisat has been an incredibly important part of Bay FC history, not only with her impact on the pitch but also through the energy, professionalism, and kindness she brought every day,” he said.
Despite her departure, Oshoala’s status remains unshaken as a six-time African Women’s Player of the Year, most recently in 2023.
She also played a crucial role in guiding Nigeria to her 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title. Furthermore, her global recognition soared in 2022 when she became the first African woman nominated for the Ballon d’Or.
Her latest move strengthens Al-Hilal’s growing project, with Oshoala joining fellow Nigerians Ashleigh Plumptre and Francisca Ordega in Riyadh. Together, the trio is expected to elevate the Saudi Women’s Premier League and provide both experience and visibility on the international stage.
Tags: National Women’s Soccer League, NWSL, Asisat Oshoala, Ashleigh Plumptre, Francisca Ordega, Super Falcons, #SoarSuperFalcons, Al-Hilal, Saudi Women’s Premier League, Bay FC, Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON.
