Alhaji Oshoala, the father of renowned Nigerian footballer Asisat Oshoala, who has excelled both with the Super Falcons of Nigeria and FC Barcelona, recently shared a poignant revelation about his daughter’s journey in the sport.
Contrary to what might be expected, Alhaji Oshoala initially attempted to dissuade Asisat from pursuing a career in football.
His reasoning lay in his strong belief in the importance of a formal education for his children.
Mr. Oshoala’s skepticism about his daughter’s prospects in football stemmed from a desire to ensure that all his children achieved a high level of education and surpassed their parents’ achievements.
In an interview with the BBC, he explained that he did not foresee a promising future for Asisat in the world of football.
Little did he know that his daughter would go on to become one of Nigeria’s most successful footballers, earning both club and individual accolades.
The Unyielding Path: Asisat’s Determination to Pursue Football
Despite her father’s apprehensions and resistance, Asisat Oshoala remained unwavering in her pursuit of a football career.
Her tenacity led her to secure her first professional contract with Robo, a Nigerian local Women’s club, in 2009.
From there, her journey continued with stints at Rivers United and a significant victory in the 2014 Nigerian Women’s Championship.
Her ambitions eventually took her beyond Nigeria’s borders, as she ventured into European football by joining Liverpool in 2015 and subsequently moving to China’s Dalian Quanjian in 2017.
Shining Bright: Asisat Oshoala’s Rise to Prominence with FC Barcelona
It was in China that Asisat Oshoala’s footballing prowess truly flourished, capturing the attention of FC Barcelona.
The Spanish club initially signed her on loan in 2019 before making the deal permanent a few months later.
This marked a turning point in Asisat’s career, propelling her to incredible heights.
Since 2019, Asisat Oshoala’s achievements have been nothing short of remarkable.
She has secured three Primera División titles, two UEFA Women’s Champions League trophies, three Supercopa de España Femenina victories, and three Copa de la Reina triumphs.
This extraordinary success stands as a testament to her determination and talent.
A Trailblazer and Record-Setter: Asisat’s Impact on African Women’s Football
Asisat Oshoala’s contributions extend beyond the club level.
Since making her international debut in 2013, she has played a pivotal role in the success of the Super Falcons of Nigeria, contributing to their three African Women’s Championships.
Furthermore, her individual accomplishments include five African Women’s Footballer of the Year awards.
Notably, she made history by becoming the first African woman to score in three different editions of the Women’s World Cup.
A Controversial Celebration and a Father’s Pride
Asisat Oshoala’s exuberant celebration after scoring a crucial goal against Australia in the 2023 Women’s World Cup stirred both admiration and debate.
Her spirited display led her to remove her jersey, an action that drew mixed reactions within Nigeria.
While her father expressed a mild disapproval, he later clarified that the celebration was driven by emotions and affirmed his pride in his daughter’s accomplishments.
Asisat Oshoala’s journey continues as she leads the Super Falcons of Nigeria in the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Her impact on African women’s football, her remarkable achievements, and her trailblazing spirit have solidified her as a role model and a true force to be reckoned with on the international stage.
