Journey from signing to stardom

Super Falcons striker, Asisat Oshoala, left FC Barcelona Femini on Thursday to join a new National Women’s Soccer League team, Bay FC, in the United States.

Bay FC announced the new signing in a statement on Thursday.

The six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year agreed to a two-year contract with Bay FC, with an option of an additional one-year extension to 2027.

“Bay FC, the Bay Area’s new women’s professional soccer franchise in the National Women’s Soccer League, have acquired the rights to Nigerian international, Asisat Oshoala, through a transfer with FC Barcelona Femení of Liga F in Spain in exchange for a transfer fee, the club announced today,” the statement read.

In a post via her Instagram, Oshoala noted that she is filled with mixed emotions as it has been an honour and privilege to represent the Barcelona female team.

She added, “Since joining the team in 2019, I have had the opportunity to be a part of some of the most memorable moments in the club’s history.

“Together, we have lifted several trophies and these achievements are a testament to hard work, dedication and I feel privileged to have been a part of this team.”

But beyond the trophies and accolades, she noted that what she would cherish most were the relationships she built with some of her teammates, coaches, staff, and fans. “You have become my family, and I will forever be grateful for the love and support you have shown me,” she said.

PUNCH Online highlights the remarkable journey of football star Oshoala, from her signing to stardom.

Born on October 9, 1994, Oshoala hails from Ikorodu in Lagos State, Nigeria.

She started her first season in the Barcelona female first team in 2019 and ended it in 2024. Playing as a striker in Barcelona, she has four league titles to her name, four Spanish Super Cups, three Spanish cups, two UEFA Women’s Champions Leagues, and one Catalunya Cup.

Over six seasons at Barca, she registered 117 goals in 161 games played. The major international tournaments she has participated in include, Women’s World Cup (2015 and 2019), Cyprus Womans Cup (2018), Africa Cup 2018 (Winner), Under Under-20 World Cup (2014, runner-up, and 2012).

Her career path started in 2009 with FC Robo, continued with Rivers Angels from 2013 to 2015, Liverpool Ladies from 2015 to 2016, Arsenal Ladies from 2016 to 2017, Dalian Quanjian FC from 2017 to 2019, FC Barcelona from 2019 to 2024, and Bay FC -2024.

The Barcelona female team describes Oshola as “a quick and strong striker who during her spell in China demonstrated her nose for goal.”

They noted that “she was part of the first team in the history of the club to win the UEFA Women’s Champions League. She also went down in football history by winning the first treble in club history.”

The relentless striker is also notable for her feats for the Super Falcons of Nigeria (Nigeria’s women’s team). Oshoala has to her name one CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations won in 2018 in Ghana.

Her awards include the Aiteo Award for Best CAF Player 2017; BBC Footballer of the Year 2015; Queen of The Pitch Award 2014; African Female Footballer of the Year: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022, 2023; African Female Player of the Year 2014; Golden Ball of the 2014 African Women’s Championship.

Others are the Golden Boot of the 2016 African Women’s Championship; 2014 U-20 Women’s World Cup gold boot; 2014 U-20 Women’s World Cup Gold Ball; and Top Scorer in the 2017 Chinese Women’s League, among others.