Super Falcons player Asisat Oshoala made history Thursday, following Nigeria’s 3-2 win against Australia at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Oshoala who came in as a substitute in the 63rd minute of the match played at Brisbane Stadium, scored Nigeria’s third goal in the 72nd minute, leading the country to victory and becoming the first Nigerian player (male or female) to score at three different FIFA World Cup.
Here are 10 things you should know about Super Falcon and Barcelona player Asisat Oshoala.
(1) Asisat’s love for football began in secondary school. Although her parents kicked against her interest in sports (they came around later), she had the support of her grandmother.
“Each time I [would] go to play football or something, I’m always in trouble. Sometimes, I don’t get to sleep at home. I had to go to my grandmother’s place to sleep at night.
“I made [my parents] believe that, okay, if they make young kids go after their dreams, there’s always something positive to come out of it. Today, I think they realize that.”
(2) Upon graduation from secondary school, Oshoala joined FC Rivers Internationals in Lagos. She remained with the team until 2013 when joined Rivers Angels.
(3) In 2014, Oshoala’s skills came to the fore scoring seven goals at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Canada helping Nigeria to the finals.
(4) Oshoala was signed to Liverpool Ladies in January 2015 and was there till 2016 where she made nine appearances scoring three goals and becoming the first African to play in the Women’s Super League.
Speaking on the experience she said: “That was something special, and I am sure it will give me a lot more experience. I will have a chance to play in the Champions League.”
(5) In 2015 Oshoala won the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year Award. Her win made her the first player to get this new award from the BBC World Service.
(6) Oshoala is also the first Nigerian and African player to score in three Women’s World Cups.
(7) She has won the Africa Women’s Footballer of the Year for a record five times. (2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022)
(8) Oshoala is also the first African (and Nigerian) player to score a goal in a UEFA Women’s Champions League final.
(9l She won the UEFA Women’s Champions League two times with Barcelona Feminine.
(10) In 2014, Oshoala became the highest goal scorer at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup where she won the best player at the tournament.
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