Asisat Oshoala

**Asisat Oshoala: Biography and Career** Asisat Lamina Oshoala (born October 9, 1994, in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria) is a prominent Nigerian professional footballer widely regarded as one of Africa's greatest female players. Her exceptional speed, technical ability, and prolific goal-scoring record have made her a global figure in women's football. Oshoala's early life saw her overcome parental skepticism regarding a career in sports, ultimately pursuing her passion for football after completing her basic education in Lagos. **Career Progression and Club Football** Oshoala began her professional career in Nigeria, playing for Rivers Angels in the Nigerian Women's Championship, where she quickly established herself as a formidable forward. Her talent soon attracted international attention. In 2015, she made a landmark move to Liverpool Ladies in the FA Women's Super League, becoming the first African player to compete in the league. She later played for Arsenal Ladies (2016-2017), helping them win the FA Women's Cup. In 2017, Oshoala moved to the Chinese Women's Super League, signing with Dalian Quanjian, where she continued her goal-scoring form and secured the league title in her first season. Her most significant club move came in 2019 when she joined FC Barcelona Femení, initially on loan, which was soon made permanent. At Barcelona, Oshoala achieved unprecedented success, contributing significantly to the team's dominance in both Spain and Europe. She has been an integral part of multiple league titles (Liga F), Copa de la Reina trophies, and several UEFA Women's Champions League victories. **International Career** Oshoala has been a cornerstone of the Nigerian national team, the Super Falcons, since her debut. She gained widespread recognition during the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, where she was the top goalscorer and was named the best player, despite Nigeria finishing as runners-up. She has participated in multiple FIFA Women's World Cups, representing Nigeria in 2015, 2019, and 2023. Her goal against South Korea in the 2019 World Cup was a particularly memorable achievement. She has also led the Super Falcons to multiple Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) titles, including 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2022. **Major Achievements and Notable Works** Oshoala is highly decorated, particularly as a five-time winner of the African Women's Footballer of the Year award (2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2022)—a record she shares with Perpetua Nkwocha. She was named the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year in 2015. At the club level, her most notable achievement is winning the UEFA Women's Champions League multiple times with FC Barcelona Femení. She has also won the Pichichi award (top scorer) in the Spanish Primera División. Beyond the pitch, Oshoala is known for her philanthropic efforts through the Asisat Oshoala Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting young girls in Nigeria through sports and education. Her commitment to empowering the next generation of female athletes is one of her notable works off the field. **Current Status** As of 2024, Asisat Oshoala continues to play at the elite level. After a successful spell with FC Barcelona, she completed a transfer to Bay FC in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States, signing a significant contract. This move marked a new chapter in her career, further cementing her status as a global icon in women's football.