Asisat Oshoala, the Nigerian woman inspiring young girls to play football

Asisat Lamina Oshoala has become a household name in the world of women's football.

Her incredible skills, intense speed, and natural goal-scoring ability have propelled her to international stardom. Born on October 9, 1994, in Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria, Oshoala's journey to becoming one of Africa's most celebrated athletes is marked by remarkable accomplishments and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Early life and rise to prominence

 Asisat Oshoala's football journey began in the streets of Lagos. As a young girl, she was playing against boys twice her age. Her exceptional talent caught the eye of local coaches, and before long, she was enrolled in the renowned FC Robo academy. There, her remarkable progress and unparalleled dedication quickly led to her promotion to Nigeria's U-20 national team, the Falconets.

Achievements with Nigeria

Oshoala played a pivotal role in the Nigerian U-20 national team's success in 2014 when they finished as runners-up in the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Canada. Her electrifying performances, including a brace in the semifinal against North Korea, earned her the Golden Boot as the tournament's top scorer.

Oshoala has also been a dominant force in the senior Nigerian national team, the Super Falcons. She has helped her team win multiple AWCON titles, showcasing her ability to perform at the highest level on the continent.

Oshoala represented Nigeria in the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2015, making history by becoming the first African woman to score in the competition, with a goal against England in the tournament.

Club successesAsisat Oshoala's has made a significant impact in club football beyond Nigerian borders as well.

Oshoala joined English Professional Football Club, Arsenal Ladies in 2016 and made an instant impact, winning the Women's FA Cup and the Women's Super League in her first season.

In 2019, Oshoala made a move to FC Barcelona Femení, one of Europe's top women's football clubs in Spain. She has since been an integral part of the team, helping them secure numerous domestic and international titles, including the UEFA Women's Champions League.

African Women's Footballer of the Year

Oshoala has been named the African Women's Footballer of the Year on multiple occasions, underscoring her status as one of Africa's premier female footballers. She landed the prestigious award in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019 and in 2022.

CAF Women's Champions League Golden Boot Award

She emerged as the first African woman to receive the Golden Boot Award. In the inaugural edition of the CAF Women's Champions League, Oshoala finished as the top scorer.

UEFA Women's Champions League best forward

Her exceptional performances in the UEFA Women's Champions League earned her recognition as one of the best forwards in European women's football.

Oshala also is widely admired for her women's empowerment and interest in women's development, particularly in sports. She is also involved in numerous philanthropic endeavours aimed at improving the lives of underprivileged children in Nigeria.