Super Falcons Star Asisat Oshoala Retires from National Team After WAFCON 2024/2025

By Sani Hassan Suleiman U21MM2007 

Nigerian football legend Asisat Oshoala has announced that she will retire from the national team after the 2024/2025 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). She made this announcement on her official Facebook page, saying “At 30, with six African Women’s Best Player awards, I will bow out to start a new chapter after WAFCON 2024/25.”

This news has sparked reactions from many football fans, as Oshoala is widely seen as one of the greatest female footballers from Africa. She recently played her final WAFCON match for the Super Falcons, which was victorious.

Born on October 9, 1994, in Lagos, Asisat Oshoala has had a very successful career. She started from the streets of Lagos and went on to shine across England, China, and Spain. She currently plays for Bay FC in the United States, after her time with FC Barcelona Femeni, where she won the UEFA Women’s Champions League and several league titles.

Some of her major awards and achievements:

1. BBC Women's Footballer of the Year (2015)

2. African Women’s Footballer of the Year  Six times (2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022, 2023)

3. Golden Boot & Golden Ball  FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup (2014)

4. Top Scorer   Spanish League (Primera División 2021–22)

5. Top Scorer   Chinese Women’s Super League (2017)

6. IFFHS Best African Woman Player of the Decade (2011–2020)

 

According to the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS), Oshoala is also part of the All time Africa Women's Dream Team.

Oshoala has inspired many girls in Nigeria and across Africa. In 2019, she opened the Asisat Oshoala Foundation to support young girls who want to play football and go to school. “She is more than just a footballer. She’s a voice, a leader, and a hero,” said Nigerian journalist Colin Udoh in an interview with BBC Sport Africa.

While Oshoala did not say what she plans to do after her retirement, many believe she will continue to work in football, especially in coaching or mentoring young talents. As Nigerians and fans around the world prepare to say goodbye to their queen of football, her legacy will continue to shine for years to come.