The Super Falcons’ star striker, Asisat Oshoala, bid farewell to FC Barcelona Femini and embarked on a new chapter in her career by joining the National Women’s Soccer League team, Bay FC, in the United States. The announcement of Oshoala’s transfer was made by Bay FC, who revealed that the six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year had signed a two-year contract with an option for an additional one-year extension until 2027.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Oshoala expressed her mixed emotions about leaving FC Barcelona Femini. She acknowledged the honor and privilege of representing the Barcelona women’s team and highlighted the numerous trophies and achievements they had attained together. Beyond the silverware, Oshoala cherished the relationships she had built with teammates, coaches, staff, and fans, referring to them as her family and expressing gratitude for their unwavering support.
Let’s delve into the extraordinary journey of football star Asisat Oshoala, from her humble beginnings to her rise to stardom.
Born on October 9, 1994, in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria, Oshoala’s meteoric rise in women’s football has been nothing short of remarkable. Her journey with the Barcelona women’s team began in 2019 and ended in 2024. During her tenure as a striker at Barcelona, she secured an impressive collection of titles, including four league titles, four Spanish Super Cups, three Spanish Cups, two UEFA Women’s Champions Leagues, and one Catalunya Cup.
Over the course of six seasons at Barcelona, Oshoala netted a remarkable 117 goals in 161 appearances. She also represented Nigeria in major international tournaments such as the Women’s World Cup in 2015 and 2019, the Cyprus Women’s Cup in 2018, and the Africa Cup in 2018, where she emerged as a winner. Additionally, she participated in the Under-20 World Cup in 2014, finishing as a runner-up, and in 2012.
Her football journey kicked off in 2009 with FC Robo and continued with stints at Rivers Angels from 2013 to 2015, Liverpool Ladies from 2015 to 2016, Arsenal Ladies from 2016 to 2017, Dalian Quanjian FC from 2017 to 2019, FC Barcelona from 2019 to 2024, and finally, Bay FC in 2024.
Described by the Barcelona women’s team as a “quick and strong striker with a nose for goal,” Oshoala’s contributions were instrumental in the club’s historic victory in the UEFA Women’s Champions League and their groundbreaking achievement of winning the first treble in the club’s history.
Beyond her club successes, Asisat Oshoala has left an indelible mark on the international stage, particularly with the Super Falcons of Nigeria, the country’s women’s team. Notably, Oshoala clinched the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in 2018 in Ghana.
Her illustrious career has been adorned with numerous awards and accolades, including the Aiteo Award for Best CAF Player in 2017, BBC Footballer of the Year in 2015, Queen of The Pitch Award in 2014, and multiple titles as African Female Footballer of the Year in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022, and 2023.
Her impressive trophy cabinet also boasts honors such as the African Female Player of the Year in 2014, the Golden Ball at the 2014 African Women’s Championship, the Golden Boot at the 2016 African Women’s Championship, the Golden Boot and Gold Ball at the 2014 U-20 Women’s World Cup, and recognition as the top scorer in the 2017 Chinese Women’s League, among others.
As Asisat Oshoala embarks on her new journey with Bay FC in the United States, her legacy as one of Africa’s most celebrated football stars continues to shine brightly. Her remarkable achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring football players.
