Asisat Oshoala is a name that resonates throughout Nigerian football.
Her talent and consistency have propelled her from the early days at Mushin-based youth club FC Robo to the pinnacle of European football.
Today, she plays in the National Women's Soccer League for Bay FC and spearheads the attack for the Super Falcons. This article explores the remarkable career of Oshoala, a true inspiration to generations of aspiring footballers.
Asisat Oshoala background
Asisat Lamina Oshoala MON is a Nigerian footballer born and raised in Ikorodu, a suburb in the north-east of Lagos, along the Lagos Lagoon and bordering Ogun State. She is of the Yoruba tribe.
She was born on October 9th, 1994 and began her educational journey at Air Force Primary School in Victoria Island. She then continued her studies at Aunty Ayo International School in Ikoyi.
Oshoala is from which state?
The Super Falcons striker is an indigene of Lagos State.
Who is Asisat Oshoala's husband?
Currently single and focused on her thriving football career, Asisat Oshoala has previously addressed rumors of engagement to Nigerian footballer Abu Abolaji Azeez, clarifying that they are not a couple.
Does Asisat Oshoala have a child?
Asisat Oshoala is a proud mother to a child, though she maintains strict privacy regarding the child's other parent.
Who is Asisat Oshoala's father?
Asisat Oshoala's upbringing was shaped by her father, Alhaji Oshoala. They hail from a Nigerian Muslim family with a polygamous structure. Initially, Alhaji Oshoala, along with Asisat's mother Iya Asisa, didn't fully support her football aspirations, prioritizing education.
5 Facts about Asisat Oshoala
- Law and Order (Dreams): Academics weren't neglected either. While attending Aunty Ayo International School, Oshoala surprisingly dreamt of a career in law, not football.
- Family Friction: The road wasn't entirely smooth. Asisat's father, Alhaji Oshoala, initially disapproved of her football aspirations, prioritizing a traditional education. Thankfully, her passion and talent won out. “We didn’t see a bright future for her in football, and I planned to make sure all my children attained a high level of education and do better than us parents,” he told the BBC.
- Giving Back: In 2019, she launched the Asisat Oshoala Academy, an all-girls training program empowering and inspiring the next generation of female footballers.
- National Recognition: Her dedication to the sport and her nation was recognized in September 2014 when she was awarded the Member of the Order of the Niger by President Goodluck Jonathan.
Asisat Oshoala’s club career
The Lagos-born Nigerian forward has played for clubs in Nigeria, England, China, Spain, and the United States of America. Let's take a closer look at the details of her club career below.
FC Robo and Rivers Queens
After launching her professional career at FC Robo in 2009, Oshoala set her sights on bigger opportunities. In 2013, she made a key move to Nigerian powerhouse Rivers Angels. She wasted no time etching her name on trophies, claiming the 2013 Women's Cup followed by a dominant league and cup double in 2014.
Liverpool
In 2015, Asisat Oshoala made history, becoming the first African woman to play in England's Women's Super League. Despite missing a significant chunk of the season due to a knee injury, Oshoala's impact was undeniable. She notched three crucial goals in her nine appearances. Her impressive performances continued, with goals against Manchester City and Arsenal further solidifying her reputation as a rising star. However, her stay at Liverpool was short-lived.
Arsenal
Following her impressive stint at Liverpool, Asisat Oshoala continued her English adventure by signing with Arsenal in March 2016. Manager Pedro Losa hailed her arrival, praising her talent, speed, and goalscoring prowess. Oshoala didn't disappoint, contributing to Arsenal's 2016 FA Women's Cup triumph, the club's 14th title. Though her appearances were limited to 13 in that season, she made them count, notching two goals including a crucial winner against Notts County. Arsenal finished the season strong, securing a third-place finish with a 16-4-2 record.
Dalian Quanjian
In February 2017, Asisat Oshoala's journey took an exciting turn with a move to Chinese powerhouse Dalian Quanjian. She spearheaded the team to victory in the 2017 league championship, with her 12 goals earning her the Golden Boot award. In the 2017 Women's Super Cup, she netted four goals and helped Dalian secure a 5-3 win over Shanghai. Oshoala went on to play a key role in securing Dalian's second consecutive league title in October 2018.
FC Barcelona
In January 2019, Asisat Oshoala embarked on a loan spell with FC Barcelona Femení, a move that would redefine her European career. She impressed so much that Barcelona secured her permanent transfer in May 2019, extending her stay until 2022.
Her impact was immediate, contributing seven goals in her seven appearances as Barcelona finished the season as runners-up. Oshoala etched her name in history by becoming the first African (and Nigerian) player to score in a UEFA Women's Champions League Final.
On May 16th, 2021, Oshoala made history as the first African woman to win the UWCL, coming on as a substitute in Barcelona's dominant 4-0 victory over Chelsea.
Throughout her remarkable spell at the club, Oshoala amassed a staggering 117 goals in 162 appearances, becoming the club's fourth-highest goalscorer of all time. Her trophy cabinet swelled with an impressive 14 titles, including two historic trebles.
Bay FC
In February 2024, a new chapter unfolded for Oshoala. She joined the National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC. Her debut was a dream come true, as she netted the club's first-ever goal in a 1-0 victory against Angel City. Asisat Oshoala's journey continues with four-goal contributions already etched in her 15 NWSL appearances to date.
Asisat Oshoala’s international career
Her national team debut arrived under coach Edwin Okon in a friendly against powerhouse Japan in 2013. She quickly established herself, even claiming the “Best Player” award while finishing as the second-highest scorer during the 2014 African Women's Championship campaign. Her achievements transcended the continent, earning her the BBC Women's POTY in 2015.
Oshoala was instrumental in the Super Falcons' triumphs at the 2016 and 2018 African Women's Championships, contributing three goals in the 2018 edition held in Ghana. The 2019 World Cup in France saw her take on a vice-captain role. She netted a crucial goal and earned Player of the Match honors in the team's 2-0 victory over South Korea.
History was made in 2023. Coming on as a substitute against host nation Australia at the World Cup, Oshoala etched her name in the record books. Her goal not only secured a 3-0 win but also cemented her legacy as the first as the first African (and Nigerian) player to score in three consecutive World Cups (2015, 2019, 2023).
Currently, Oshoala sets her sights on the 2024 Olympics in Paris, ready to lead the Super Falcons to even greater heights. With 37 goals in 61 appearances for Nigeria, she remains an inspiration for aspiring footballers across the continent and the world.
Frequently Asked Questions about Asisat Oshoala
How tall is Asisat Oshoala? Standing at 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in), she's one of the tallest players in the Nigeria national team.
How much does Asisat Oshoala earn weekly? Asisat Oshoala earns $10,500 per week as a Bay FC player, but this does not include bonuses.
What is Asisat Oshoala’s net worth in 2024? At the time of writing in 2024, Oshoala’s net worth is estimated between $3 million.
