Asisat Lamina Oshoala MON (born 9 October 1994 in Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria) is a renowned professional footballer who plays as a striker for Bay FC in the NWSL and captains the Nigeria women’s national team .
Career Overview
Club Journey
- FC Robo (2009–2013) and Rivers Angels (2013–2015): Early stints in Nigeria, highlighted by winning the 2013 Women’s Cup and the 2014 league-and-cup double
- Liverpool (2015–2016): First African woman in England’s WSL; scored 3 goals in 9 matches
- Arsenal (2016–2017): Made 13 appearances, helping the team to the 2016 FA Women’s Cup
- Dalian Quanjian (2017–2019): Excelled in China, winning two league titles and twice claiming the golden boot
- FC Barcelona Femení (2019–2024): Initially on loan before a permanent move. Scored 117 goals in 163 matches, winning 5 league titles, 3 Champions Leagues (including historic 2021 win as the first African woman) and several domestic cups
- Bay FC (2024–present): Joined NWSL’s Bay FC, netting their inaugural goal and continuing her prolific form
International Achievements
- Made senior debut in September 2013 against Japan.
- Captained Nigeria’s Super Falcons; top scorer and best player at the 2014 FIFA U‑20 World Cup; instrumental in NAFCON titles (2014, 2016, 2018)
- First African woman to score at three consecutive FIFA Women’s World Cups; scored goal of the tournament nominee in 2019
Awards & Honors
- African Women’s Footballer of the Year: Record six times (2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022, 2023)
- BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year – 2015
- 2014 FIFA U‑20 WWC Golden Ball & Golden Boot; multiple individual tournament recognitions .
- First African woman nominated for Ballon d’Or Féminin (2022)
- Appointed Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) in September 2014
- Named to Forbes 30 Under 30 (2021)
Personal Background & Legacy
- Raised in a large Muslim family, Oshoala credits her grandmother’s encouragement for her football path
- Initially met with parental opposition, but later earned their full support
- Education: Attended Air Force Primary School (Victoria Island) and Aunty Ayo International School (Ikoyi)
Off-the-Field Impact
- Founder of the Asisat Oshoala Foundation (2015) and Asisat Oshoala Academy (2022), partnering with Nike and Women Win to empower marginalized girls through sport and education
- Nike ambassador and a vocal advocate for balancing football with education .
- Known affectionately as “Àgba Baller” — the “Legendary Footballer” in Yoruba
Summary
Asisat Oshoala stands as a trailblazer in women’s football — a record-breaking athlete, a global champion, and a social pioneer. From the streets of Lagos to the pitches of Barcelona and now the NWSL, she continues to inspire countless young girls across Africa and beyond.