She started as a simple young girl in Lagos who loved football so much that she would play with boys around her neighbourhood.
Today, Asisat Oshoala is one of the greatest female footballers Africa has ever produced.
Born on 9 October 1994 in Ikorodu, Lagos, Oshoala began her football journey with FC Robo before making her mark with Rivers Angels. But it was at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup that the world truly began to take notice. She won both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball, announcing herself as a superstar in the making.
Her career would take her from Nigeria to Liverpool, Arsenal, China and Barcelona, before later moving to the United States and Saudi Arabia.
At Barcelona, she made history by becoming the first African woman to score in a UEFA Women’s Champions League final. She went on to win the competition three times with the Spanish giants—in 2021, 2023 and 2024.
But perhaps one of the greatest measures of her extraordinary career is this: Asisat Oshoala has won the CAF African Women’s Player of the Year award six times, more than any other woman in African football history.
She has also won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations four times with Nigeria.
Through her foundation and academy, she has worked to give young girls opportunities through football, education and empowerment—helping other girls dream beyond the limitations placed before them.
Happy birthday, great Nigerian star!
Source: Ethnic African Stories
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.