Asisat Oshoala: Background, net worth and all you need to know about Super Falcon star

• Popular Nigerian footballer, Asisat Oshoala, was born in Lagos, Nigeria, on October 9, 1994
• The Nigerian forward has played for top clubs including Liverpool, Arsenal, Barcelona, and Bay FC
• Oshoala became the first African player to score in three consecutive FIFA Women’s World Cups, among numerous other records

Asisat Oshoala stands as one of Africa’s most celebrated football icons, revered for her relentless pursuit of success on and off the field and her rise from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of global football has inspired millions. 

Beyond her athletic feats, she is also known for her charitable foundation and soccer academy, which empowers young African girls with a dream of playing professional football. From being raised in a polygamous household to becoming a five-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year, Oshoala’s story is nothing short of remarkable.

Born on October 9, 1994, in the bustling city of Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria, Asisat Lamina Oshoala grew up in a polygamous Muslim family. Her father, Alhaji Oshoala, and mother, Iya Asisa, were both shopkeepers who initially disapproved of their daughter’s ambitions to pursue football professionally. 

The idea of a girl playing football was still seen as unconventional in Nigerian society, and when Asisat decided to quit school to chase her dreams, it was met with resistance, 

“They didn’t support me,” she revealed, remembering her parents’ disapproval of her career path. However, one person believed in her, her grandmother, who often defended her when her parents took a harsh stance. Despite the societal belief that football was unsuitable for girls, Oshoala's determination kept her going. 

She attended Air Force Primary School in Victoria Island and later completed her secondary education at Aunty Ayo International School in Lagos in 2009. Her football journey began in earnest when she joined local clubs Rivers Angels and FC Robo in Nigeria. Her talents quickly attracted attention, leading to a pivotal move to Liverpool in 2015, where she made nine appearances and netted three goals in the Women’s Super League.

In 2016, Oshoala’s career saw greater heights when Arsenal triggered her release clause, bringing her to the London club. 

She helped Arsenal lift the FA Women’s Cup and made 13 appearances with two goals to her name. But it was her move to FC Barcelona Femení in 2019 that made her even more popular in the world. Initially joining on loan, she soon signed a full contract, extending her stay until 2024. Over her 154 appearances for Barcelona, Oshoala scored an impressive 98 goals.

In February 2024, Oshoala made another high-profile switch, this time to Bay FC in the United States Women's League. With a weekly salary of £40,000, Oshoala continues to shine in her new environment, she has scored 7 goals and made an assist in 23 matches already this 2024/2025 season.

On the international stage, Oshoala's impact has been just as profound. She debuted for Nigeria's Super Falcons in 2013 during a friendly against Japan. The following year, her performance in the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup earned her the Golden Ball and Golden Boot awards as the tournament’s best player and top scorer, with seven goals to her name. She carried this form into the African Women’s Championship the same year, leading Nigeria to victory and earning the Player of the Tournament title.

Oshoala has represented Nigeria in multiple FIFA Women’s World Cups, making history by becoming the first African player to score in three consecutive World Cups, with goals in the 2015, 2019, and 2023 editions. Between 2014 and November 2023, Oshoala scored 31 goals for Nigeria’s national team.

Off the field, Oshoala has channelled her success into philanthropy, in 2019, she established the Asisat Oshoala Foundation, an organisation dedicated to empowering young African girls through football. The foundation hosts the annual Football4Girls competition in Lagos, and through her partnership with Women Win and Nike Inc., Oshoala’s academy provides weekly football training for girls aged 12 to 18. With up to 100 schoolgirls participating in each session, the Asisat Oshoala Academy is nurturing the next generation of African female football stars.

Oshoala’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. She has earned numerous accolades, including the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year 2015 and the prestigious Queen of The Pitch Award. She has also been recognised as the African Women's Footballer of the Year multiple times and was the first-ever African woman to be nominated for the Women’s Ballon d’Or in 2021.

With a net worth of $3 million, largely accumulated through her football career and endorsement deals with major brands like Nike, Asisat Oshoala remains an influential figure both on and off the field. 

Her journey from the streets of Lagos to the global football stage is a testament to the power of perseverance and belief in one’s abilities, inspiring countless young girls across Africa.

Liga F: Ajibade shines in Atletico’s victory, Olatunji scores in Sparta’s defeat

Previously, TheRadar reported that Super Falcons captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, displayed an exceptional performance during Friday, September 27 Madrid Derby, leading Atletico Madrid Femenino to a 4-0 triumph over Madrid CFF in Liga F. Ajibade, 25, scored one of the goals, boosting her season tally to three in just four matches.

The Nigerian forward was an attacking menace throughout the match, with 65 touches, a 74% passing accuracy from 34 passes, and three key chances created.