By Ghazali Ibrahim
Today marks the 31st birthday of Asisat Lamina Oshoala, widely regarded as “Agba baller”, unarguably the most decorated female footballer in African history.
Born in 1994, Oshoala’s career is built on grit, brilliance, and barriers broken and reads like a roadmap for future generations in women’s football.
From her early days at FC Robo and Rivers Angels in Nigeria, Oshoala drew attention for her scoring prowess and flair. Her move abroad would see her don the colors of top clubs including Liverpool, Arsenal, and later Dalian in China. But it was during her time at FC Barcelona that she truly announced herself to the world.
In 2021, she became the first African woman to win the UEFA Women’s Champions League, helping Barcelona defeat Chelsea 4–0 in the final.
Her trophy cabinet is staggering: six African Women’s Player of the Year awards, multiple Primera División, Copa de la Reina, and UEFA Champions League titles. She also remains the only African woman to clinch the European Golden Boot in Spain’s top flight.
Her transfer from Bay FC to Al Hilal this year signals both ambition and adaptability, as she continues to navigate her legacy in changing football landscapes.
After leaving Bay FC, Oshoala charted a new path, joining Al Hilal in the Saudi Women’s Premier League. Reports suggest her arrival has already made waves: she was named Player of the Month for September after scoring in every match.
Her impact isn’t confined to club football. Internationally, she has been pivotal for Nigeria’s Super Falcons, scoring in three successive FIFA Women’s World Cups (2015, 2019, 2023) and playing a leading role in Nigeria’s 2024 WAFCON mission X victory.
Off the pitch, she founded the Asisat Oshoala Foundation in 2019 to support girl footballers across Africa, becoming an ambassador for youth development in sports.
At 31, Oshoala’s journey is far from over. Her past is full of firsts; her future seems boundless which is a true symbol of African excellence in women’s football.
