Nigerian football star Asisat Oshoala has made history by winning the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award for a record sixth time. The Barcelona forward beat South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana and Zambia’s Barbara Banda to the prestigious prize at the CAF Awards ceremony held in Marrakech, Morocco on Monday.
Oshoala, who had previously won the award in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2022, surpassed the record of fellow Nigerian Perpetua Nkwocha, who had claimed the accolade four times. Oshoala also became the first African woman to win the UEFA Women’s Champions League, after helping Barcelona defeat Chelsea 4-0 in the final in May 2021.
The 29-year-old expressed her gratitude to her teammates, coaches, family, and fans for their support and dedication. She also dedicated the award to all the young girls in Africa who aspire to play football and achieve their dreams.
“This night, I would love to use this opportunity to thank everyone who has been part of my journey from grassroots football to the national level to the club side. Because without you, my coaches, and my teammates, there will be no me,” Oshoala said in her acceptance speech.
“Football is a team sport; it’s a team game and I urge all the federations in Africa to please come together; let’s work together and build our continent. Let’s make it the best in the world.
“It is very possible; it happened in the last men’s World Cup; we saw what happened and shocked the world. In the last World Cup, all the national teams representing Africa in Australia made history.
“And I believe that before the next World Cup, we can get better, do better and win it for sure. Because at the end of the day, if we don’t support ourselves, nobody will come to Africa; nobody will come to this continent to support us.
“We have to work together as a team because football is a team sport. Let’s start at home and go to the world and conquer it.”
Oshoala’s remarkable achievement was widely celebrated by her fans, fellow players, celebrities, and political leaders on social media. Many hailed her as a role model and an inspiration for African women and girls.
Oshoala, who plays club football for Barcelona, scored 15 goals in 19 league appearances last season, helping her team retain the Primera División title. She also won the Spanish Cup and Super Cup with Barcelona and became the first African woman to win the Primera División’s Pichichi Trophy as the top scorer. In August 2022, she became the first African woman nominated for the Ballon d’Or, the most prestigious individual award in football.
Oshoala is also the captain of the Nigeria women’s national team, the Super Falcons, and has represented her country at four FIFA Women’s World Cups and three Olympic Games. She was the highest goal scorer and the best player at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and has won four African Women’s Championship titles with Nigeria.
Oshoala is not only a football star but also a philanthropist and an advocate for women’s empowerment. She runs her foundation, the Asisat Oshoala Foundation, which provides opportunities and support for young girls in Nigeria to play football and pursue their education. She also campaigns for gender equality and social justice and has spoken out against racism and discrimination.
Oshoala’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and excellence. She has overcome many challenges and barriers to become one of the best and most influential footballers in the world. She has shown that with hard work, talent, and determination, anything is possible. She has also shown that African women can shine on the global stage and make their continent proud.
Source: Business Day
