Asisat Oshoala is one of Nigeria’s most iconic footballers, and calling her an African and global legend wouldn’t be an exaggeration.
From learning the sport at FC Robo in Mushin to making her mark on the world stage, her journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Now in the twilight of her career, she remains a key player for Bay FC in the National Women's Soccer League and an integral part of the Super Falcons.
Oshoala’s journey is an inspiration to aspiring footballers everywhere. This piece explores her incredible path to success, highlighting the determination and talent that have defined her career.
Asisat Oshoala background
Asisat Lamina Oshoala MON, a Nigerian footballer, was born and raised in Ikorodu, a vibrant suburb in the northeast of Lagos, situated along the Lagos Lagoon and bordering Ogun State. She hails from the Yoruba tribe.
Born on October 9, 1994, Asisat Oshoala began her education at Air Force Primary School in Victoria Island before continuing 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.
4 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 nine-goal contributions already etched in her 28 NWSL appearances to date.
Asisat Oshoala’s international career
Asisat Oshoala made her national team debut in 2013 during a friendly match against football powerhouse Japan, under the guidance of coach Edwin Okon.
She wasted no time in making her mark, earning the “Best Player” accolade and finishing as the second-highest scorer during the 2014 African Women's Championship. Her impact extended beyond African borders, culminating in her recognition as the BBC Women’s Player of the Year in 2015.
Oshoala played a pivotal role in the Super Falcons' victories at the 2016 and 2018 African Women’s Championships, notably scoring three goals in the 2018 tournament held in Ghana.
At the 2019 World Cup in France, she embraced the role of vice-captain. Her performance was exemplary, highlighted by a decisive goal and a Player of the Match award in the 2-0 win against South Korea.
In 2023, Oshoala etched her name into the annals of football history. Coming off the bench in a World Cup clash against host nation Australia, she delivered a critical goal that sealed a 3-0 triumph. This remarkable achievement also solidified her status 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.
