Born on October 9, 1994, in the vibrant locale of Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria, Azizat Oshoala isn’t just a star in African football; she’s the personification of innate talent, unyielding determination, and a magnate that etches her name in the sport’s illustrious annals.
Oshoala’s fervour for football manifested early on, a passion that ignited her journey at an incredibly tender age. Her innate prowess swiftly captured the imagination of football aficionados, launching her onto an uncharted trajectory of brilliance.
Transiting between footballing giants like Arsenal Ladies FC and FC Barcelona Femení, Oshoala didn’t just display her unparalleled skills but also showcased lightning-like speed, rendering her an indispensable asset to every team she graced.
Her allegiance to Nigeria’s national team, especially the Super Falcons, played a pivotal role in their international conquests. Oshoala’s steadfast commitment has been monumental in steering the team towards numerous glories on the global stage.
Adorning Oshoala’s career is an array of awards that evokes awe. As the most garlanded African female footballer, she clinched the coveted African Women’s Footballer of the Year title an unprecedented six times, standing tall as the singular African player, regardless of gender, to attain this esteemed accolade.
Beyond the sphere of mere accolades, Oshoala carved her name in history by achieving unprecedented milestones. Her remarkable feat as the first African woman to score in a Champions League final, securing the title subsequently, remains a watershed moment in African women’s football.
The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup witnessed Oshoala scripting history once more, emerging as the inaugural African woman to net goals in three consecutive editions of the tournament, showcasing her exceptional prowess on the global stage.
Her illustrious career boasts triumphs with esteemed clubs like Arsenal, Dalian Quanjian, and, notably, FC Barcelona. Her four UEFA Women’s Champions League victories with Barcelona stand as proof of her relentless pursuit of excellence.
Despite maintaining a relatively private personal life, Oshoalastands as a potent influencer, transcending the football field. Her dedication, skill, and unwavering resolve continue to inspire budding footballers worldwide.
Presently, Azizat Oshoala continues to captivate the footballing sphere with her extraordinary talent, cementing her status as one of Africa’s most accomplished and revered female footballers.
Oshoala’s journey isn’t just about personal triumphs; it’s a narrative of inspiration, a testament to shattering barriers, and a force uplifting African football to unparalleled heights. Her legacy epitomises the spirit of determination and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence, setting an extraordinary standard for generations to come.
Here are some of Asisat Oshoala’s (MON) career achievements:
During the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, she became the first African woman to score in three consecutive FIFA Women’s World Cups, having scored in the 2015, 2019, and 2022 editions, respectively.
Nigeria
African Women’s Cup of Nations: 2014, 2016, 2018
FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup runner-up: 2014
Rivers Angels:
Nigerian Women’s Premiership: 2014
Nigerian Women’s Cup: 2013, 2014
Arsenal
FA Women’s Cup: 2015–16
Dalian Quanjian
Chinese Women’s Super League: 2017, 2018
FC Barcelona
Primera División: 2019–20, 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23
UEFA Women’s Champions League: 2020–21, 2022–23
Supercopa de España Femenina: 2019–20, 2021–22, 2022–23
Copa de la Reina: 2019–20, 2020–21, 2021–22
Individual
BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year: 2015
African Women’s Footballer of the Year: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022, 2023
African Women’s Youth Player of the Year: 2014
African Women’s Championship Golden Ball: 2014
African Women’s Championship Golden Boot: 2016
FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Golden Boot: 2014
FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Golden Ball: 2014
Primera División Top Scorer (Pinchichi Award): 2021–22
Chinese Women’s Super League Top Scorer: 2017
IFFHS CAF Best Woman Player of the Decade 2011–2020
IFFHS All-time Africa Women’s Dream Team: 2021
IFFHS CAF Women’s Team of the Decade 2011–2020
Queen of the Pitch Award: 2014
