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Tag: Asisat Oshoala

  • Oshoala applauds Iwobi’s brilliant AFCON display

    Oshoala applauds Iwobi’s brilliant AFCON display

    Super Falcons star striker Asisat Oshoala has praised Alex Iwobi for his influential role in the Super Eagles’ resurgence at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, crediting the Fulham midfielder for stepping out of his famous uncle’s shadow.

    In a Facebook post shared shortly after Nigeria’s emphatic 4–0 win over Mozambique on Monday night, Oshoala reflected on the long-standing comparisons between Iwobi and his uncle, Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha.

     “Since he made his debut for Nigeria in 2015, Iwobi has played under the weight of comparisons with his uncle,” Oshoala wrote. “No matter what he does, his performances have never been enough for many Nigerians who judge him by the standards set by Jay-Jay.”

    Read Also: NFF  urges  Super Eagles to shine  at Morocco 2025

    However, Oshoala believes AFCON 2025 has marked a turning point in Iwobi’s international career.

    “At AFCON 2025, Iwobi finally stepped out of his uncle’s shadow and shut his critics up permanently. He has been one of Nigeria’s best players in this tournament,” she stated.

    Despite not registering an assist against Mozambique, Oshoala highlighted Iwobi’s influence in Nigeria’s attacking play, noting his involvement in the build-up to the first two goals.

    “His through balls created both goals, and he was the foundation of every attack in the final third. It was an all-round performance that shows why he deserves more appreciation,” the striker concluded.

  • SportyBet appoints Asisat Oshoala as brand ambassador

    SportyBet appoints Asisat Oshoala as brand ambassador

    SportyBet, the flagship betting platform owned by global sports and entertainment company Sporty Group, has announced the appointment of Nigerian football icon Asisat Oshoala as its newest official brand ambassador. 

    The announcement marks a historic moment for the brand as it continues to spotlight African excellence and deepen its connection with fans across the continent.

    Widely regarded as one of the greatest African footballers of all time, Oshoala is a record six-time winner of the CAF African Women’s Footballer of the Year award, the most by any player in history. 

    Her rise from FC Robo in Lagos to the global stage is one of the continent’s most inspiring sporting journeys. 

    She was named Best Player at the 2014 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, helping Nigeria secure its ninth title, and later brought her goal-scoring prowess to clubs including Liverpool, Arsenal and Barcelona.

    During her historic tenure at FC Barcelona Femení, Oshoala surpassed the 100-goal mark and played an essential role in helping the club secure two UEFA Women’s Champions League titles in the 2020/21 and 2022/23 seasons.

    Oshoala leads a trio of recent ambassador appointments, which also includes South African rugby superstar Cheslin Kolbe and football legend Benni McCarthy. 

    Together, they strengthen SportyBet’s growing community of world-class athletes and reinforce the brand’s status as a global leader at the intersection of sport, entertainment and technology.

    “It is with the utmost pride that we welcome Asisat Oshoala, Cheslin Kolbe and Benni McCarthy as SportyBet brand ambassadors,” said Miguel Puche, Global Brand Director at Sporty Group.

    “Asisat stands as one of Africa’s greatest sporting icons. Her excellence, discipline and global influence align perfectly with our vision. She, alongside Kolbe and McCarthy, represents the future of African sport and the bold ambition that defines SportyBet.”

    Oshoala’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Sporty Group, which is preparing to launch a slate of major initiatives across its ecosystem. The move underscores the brand’s commitment to innovation, creativity and delivering unmatched sports engagement experiences to fans and users around the world.

    With Asisat Oshoala now part of its ambassador family, SportyBet continues to champion African talent on the global stage by elevating stories, celebrating greatness and reshaping the future of sports across the continent.

  • Oshoala slams NFF for Dessers, Ekong backlash after South Africa draw

    Oshoala slams NFF for Dessers, Ekong backlash after South Africa draw

    Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala has strongly criticised the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for publicly blaming players after the Super Eagles’ disappointing 1-1 draw against South Africa in their 2026 World Cup qualifier.

    The result, which leaves Nigeria’s qualification hopes hanging by a thread, sparked outrage among fans. But it was the NFF’s match report that drew even more backlash — especially for singling out William Troost-Ekong and Cyriel Dessers.

    Read Also: Okocha denies  interest in NFF Presidency

    Ekong was blamed for an own goal that gave South Africa the lead, while Dessers, who started the match and was taken off at half-time, was harshly criticised for his performance.

  • Nigerian female footballers who have played in English Women’s Super League

    Nigerian female footballers who have played in English Women’s Super League

    Nigerian international goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has joined English side Brighton & Hove Albion on a free transfer from Paris FC.

    The 24-year-old will officially join the Women’s Super League side on July 1, once her contract with the French club expires.

    Nnadozie, who is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, led Paris FC to a Coupe de France Féminine trophy last season.

    Here are four other Nigerian female footballers who have played in the English Women’s League:

    1. Asisat Oshoala

    Widely considered one of Africa’s greatest female footballers, Asisat Oshoala had a stint with Liverpool Ladies (now Liverpool FC Women) in 2015. She made history as the first African woman to play in the English top flight. Oshoala later moved to Arsenal Women in 2016, where she won the FA Women’s Cup before embarking on a successful career in China and later Spain with FC Barcelona.

    2. Ashleigh Plumptre

    A key part of Nigeria’s squad at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Ashleigh Plumptre played for Leicester City Women from 2020 to 2023. Born in England but representing Nigeria internationally, she helped Leicester gain promotion to the Women’s Super League and became known for her composed defending and leadership qualities on and off the pitch.

    3. Eniola Aluko

    Though born in Nigeria, Eniola Aluko grew up in England and chose to represent the Lionesses internationally, earning over 100 caps. She played for several top English sides, including Chelsea and Birmingham City. At Chelsea, she was a key figure in their rise to domestic dominance and also had stints in the U.S. and Italy before retiring to take on executive roles in football administration.

    Read Also: Oshoala  affirms commitment  to empowering Nigerian girls

    4. Ashanti Akpan

    Midfielder born to a Polish mother and Nigerian father is a Chelsea youth graduate (joined aged 7) who signed her first senior contract in December 2023.

    Ashanti debuted for Chelsea’s first team in March 2023 (Women’s FA Cup vs Reading) and spent the 2024–25 season on loan with Birmingham City in the Women’s Championship, seeking regular senior minutes.

  • Oshoala, Plumptre return as NFF list 24 Super Falcons for WAFCON

    Oshoala, Plumptre return as NFF list 24 Super Falcons for WAFCON

    The Nigeria Football Federation have announced the 24-woman squad for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in July, Soccernet.ng reports.

    Al Ittihad defender Ashleigh Plumptre has not gotten a lot of minutes for Nigeria since her move to Al Ittihad, but that is about to change, as coach Austine Madugu has named her in his list.

    Also, former Barcelona star and six-time CAF Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala is back in the squad after missing the last game against Cameroon.

    Meanwhile, some of the regulars like Chiamaka Nnadozie, Michelle Alozie, Toni Payne, and captain Rasheedat Ajibade have kept their places on the team. However, there is no no for Gift Monday and Uchenna Kanu.

    Coach Madugu has named three Nigerian Women Football League players in his squad – Udoka Unachukwu, and Isah Sikiratu from Nasarawa Amazons, and Miracle Usani from Edo Queens.

    Read Also: 2025  AFCON: NFF unveils ‘Mission X’ campaign for Super Falcons

    They are Chiamaka Nnadozie; Tochukwu Oluehi; Rachael Unachukwu.

    Defenders: Osinachi Ohale; Shukurat Oladipo; Michelle Alozie; Ashleigh Plumptre; Sikiratu Isah; Oluwatosin Demehin;  and Miracle Usani.

    Others are Rasheedat Ajibade; Halimatu Ayinde; Deborah Abiodun; Jennifer Echegini; Toni Payne; Christy Ucheibe and forwards: Francisca Ordega; Chinwendu Ihezuo; Ifeoma Onumonu; Esther Okoronkwo; Omorinsola Babajide; Folashade Ijamilusi; Chioma Okafor.

  • Oshoala  affirms commitment  to empowering Nigerian girls

    Oshoala  affirms commitment  to empowering Nigerian girls

    Super Falcons forward, Asisat Oshoala, has reaffirmed her commitment to empowering the next generation of Nigerian girls through her academy.

    In a statement, Oshoala said when she started the academy with the support of Nike and Women Win, it was not just about creating a place to train the next generation of female footballers to develop their skills, but was to equip the girls to build their future via education and vocational skills.

    She said: “Looking back at our second year,  I’m filled with pride. We’ve created a structured programme  that goes beyond the pitch. We’re not just teaching football; we’re providing life skills education, creating a safe space, and fostering a sense of community. 

    “We have seen girls go from just playing on the streets of Lagos to representing Nigeria at international tournaments, including the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup! That’s the kind of change that goes beyond the final score of a game. 

    “We had five players who got scholarships, and now they’re professionals in fields like fashion design and hairdressing. Football can open doors, but it’s crucial to equip these young women with options and skills that set them up for life, whether or not they continue to play,” she said.

    Read Also: NFF mourns demise of former FIFA referee Momoh

    According to her, the academy has also been working hard to reach more girls through its community outreach events.

    She said she dreams that the academy can be a model for others who want to empower girls in Nigeria and beyond.

    “Imagine if we could replicate this holistic approach in other communities, in other sports, in other sectors!, We are calling for support, whether it is through donations, sponsorships, or in-kind contributions, your support can directly impact the lives of these girls,” she added.

  • Madugu to recall Oshoala soon to Super Falcons

    Madugu to recall Oshoala soon to Super Falcons

    Super Falcons coach Justin Madugu has said Asisat Oshoala will soon return to the team after she was overlooked for Saturday’s high-profile friendly against France.

    Madugu explained that multiple CAF Player of the Year Oshoala was not called up for the France game because her travel documents are being processed.

     “Asisat Oshoala remains an integral part of the Super Falcons and an invaluable player in our squad,” Madugu said. “Her absence is purely due to logistical reasons, not a reflection of her talent or importance to the team. Unfortunately, her visa and work permit expired, and she is in the process of renewing them. Until those are finalized, she is unable to join us for the friendly against France.”

    Read Also: NFF launches monthly Football Awards today

    The coach added: “Asisat’s contribution to the team is immense, and we look forward to welcoming her back once her situation is sorted.

     “Her absence for this match is solely due to the documentation challenges, not because of her ability or standing in the team.”

    The Super Falcons will face France at the Stade Raymond Kopa in Angers Saturday.

  • Oshoala bags  UEFA’s goal of the season

    Oshoala bags  UEFA’s goal of the season

    Nigeria’s Super Falcons attacker Asisat Oshoala stunning bicycle kick for former club, Barcelona has been awarded as the UEFA Goal of the season. 

    The Nigerian forward left FC Barcelona Feminine during the winter transfer to link up with NWSL side Bay FC.

    Before departing the Catalan side, Oshoala kick-started the competition with them but she was unable to end it.

    Read Also: Famuyiwa assures of more investment on education

    Oshoala’s stunning bicycle kick for Barcelona in a matchday one encounter against Benfica was selected by UEFA’s Technical Observer panel.

    She beat former teammate Aitana Bonmati and Lyon’s Delphine Cascarino to clinch the award.

  • AFCON: Asisat Oshoala defends Iwobi, lambasts Tunde Ednut, VeryDarkMan

    AFCON: Asisat Oshoala defends Iwobi, lambasts Tunde Ednut, VeryDarkMan

    Asisat Oshoala, a prominent female footballer, has criticized popular blogger Tunde Ednut and social media critic Verydarkman for their attack on Alex Iwobi following the Super Eagles’ AFCON loss.

    The Nation reported that some Nigerians took to Iwobi’s social media pages to criticize his performance in a destructive manner, attributing the Super Eagles’ failure in the 2023 AFCON to him.

    Both Verydarkman and Tunde Ednut expressed their disappointment with Iwobi’s performance during the match.

    Following their actions, Oshoala called out the two on her Instagram story for bullying her football colleague, Iwobi.

    The female striker condemned their behaviour, stating that she had experienced similar treatment in the past and understood the impact it could have, especially when someone was being targeted.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Nigerian striker Asisat Oshoala leaves Barcelona for US club

    She wrote: “If Tunde has a problem with women, all he does is body shame them. Nothing dey that him coconut head. We accept constructive criticism but that niiigggga.

    “IS a fujkjcking Bully !!! He go use giveaway cover-up again as usual. Mtcheww AGBAYA! I’m a victim of cyber bully and I fuc..kin know how that shit feels especially wen you’re being singled out ….like yoooo d whole team lost.”

  • JUST IN: Nigerian striker Asisat Oshoala leaves Barcelona for US club

    JUST IN: Nigerian striker Asisat Oshoala leaves Barcelona for US club

    CAF Women’s Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala has left Spanish club FC Barcelona Femini for the US National Women’s League team, Bay FC.

    Barcelona announced her departure in a statement on Thursday.

    They wrote: “An agreement has been reached between FC Barcelona and Bay FC from the National Women’s Soccer League in the United States of America for the transfer of Nigerian striker Asisat Oshoala, whose contract was set to end on 30 June 2024. The Club appreciates Asisat’s commitment and professionalism over the five-year period she wore the Barca jersey.”

    Read Also: Tinubu hosts Oshoala, lauds Nigerian women

    Oshoala signed for Barca in 2019 from Dalian Quanjian. She has since won 14 trophies as a Blaugrane.

    Details shortly…