Born on October 9, 1994, Asisat Lamina Oshoala MON has etched her name in the annals of Nigerian and global football history. Revered as one of Africa’s finest female footballers, she has left an indelible mark on the sport, both on the pitch and off.
Oshoala’s journey to stardom began with her prowess as a striker for the Nigeria women’s national team and has since transcended borders. She currently showcases her talents with the NWSL club, Bay FC, captivating audiences with her exceptional skill and goal-scoring ability.
Her illustrious career spans across various clubs and continents, with notable stints at English clubs Arsenal and Liverpool, Chinese club Dailan, and Nigerian clubs Rivers Angels and FC Robo. Throughout her tenure, she has amassed an impressive collection of accolades, including the prestigious African Women’s Footballer of the Year title, a record six times.
Notable triumphs adorn Oshoala’s career, including clinching the 2015 FA Women’s Cup with Arsenal, securing league championships and a cup title with Dalian, and capturing both the 2019–20 Copa de la Reina and 2019–20 Supercopa de España Femenina titles with Barcelona. In a groundbreaking moment, she became the first African woman to score a goal in a UEFA Women’s Champions League final, a feat accomplished during Barcelona’s historic victory over Chelsea in 2021.
Her achievements extend beyond club football, as Oshoala distinguished herself on the international stage. She emerged as the highest goal scorer at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and was named the tournament’s best player. Additionally, she played a pivotal role in guiding the Super Falcons to victory in the 2014 African Women’s Championship, earning recognition as the tournament’s best player and second top goalscorer.
Oshoala’s contributions to football have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by her numerous accolades, including being named a Member of the Order of the Niger by President Goodluck Jonathan and earning a coveted spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2021. Her influence transcends the pitch, as she continues to inspire a new generation of football enthusiasts, earning the affectionate moniker “Àgba Baller,” meaning “Legendary Footballer” in her local dialect.
In a testament to her growing prominence, Oshoala’s impact extends beyond football stadiums to the digital realm. Her remarkable performance during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup garnered widespread attention, catapulting her to become the first African female footballer to amass a million followers on Instagram. Such milestones only serve to underscore her status as a trailblazer in the world of sports.
Most recently, Oshoala’s achievements have earned her a nomination for the esteemed Ballon d’Or Award, a testament to her enduring legacy and unwavering dedication to the sport. As she continues to break barriers and redefine the narrative surrounding African women’s football, Oshoala stands as a beacon of inspiration, blazing a trail for future generations to follow.