Nigeria’s Olympic Qualification
For the first time since 2008, Nigeria have qualified for the Olympics, and Oshoala is poised to lead the Super Falcons in France. “This will be a special event,” she told FIFA. “I’ve never been to the Olympics before, but I’ve heard a lot about it. I’m looking forward to it so much – if I make the team!”
Nigeria faces a tough draw in Group C, taking on Brazil, Japan, and Spain. All three opponents are in the top ten of the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking, while Nigeria sits at 36th. Despite this, Oshoala remains optimistic. “At the World Cup last year, people said the same thing,” she said. “They said we were in the Group of Death and could not qualify. But we did. I have a lot of confidence in this team.”
New Beginnings with Bay FC
This year has been significant for Oshoala’s career. She transferred from Barcelona to Bay FC, a newly formed NWSL side based in San Jose. The 29-year-old admitted it was a “tough decision” to leave Barça, where she won 14 trophies and scored 117 goals in 162 appearances. However, she was excited about the new project at Bay FC.
“I was very comfortable at Barcelona, but I wanted to experience being at the start of something new,” Oshoala said. “As soon as I heard about the project at Bay FC, I was very excited. I love what I do, and I make decisions based on what makes me happy. It’s been pretty amazing here so far.”
Adjusting to life in San Jose has been smooth for Oshoala, thanks to the city’s “good people and good food,” including many nice African restaurants.
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Facing Former Teammates
In Paris 2024, Oshoala is expected to go head-to-head with several former Barcelona teammates when Nigeria faces Spain. “It’s gonna be fun!” she said. “Before the World Cup, we had this chat within ourselves on the team. We all wanted to play each other, but we didn’t get drawn in the same group. We all still keep in touch. It will be a cool experience.”
Leading the Super Falcons
Oshoala is determined to lead from the front during Nigeria’s Olympic campaign. “I know what I can do,” she said. “I know what I offer on and off the pitch. Even when I was at the best team in the world, I knew what I could contribute. I always encourage the younger ones and help them understand they can give even more.”
Nigeria’s Olympic History
While Nigeria’s women’s team has yet to advance beyond the quarterfinals in the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament, their men’s team boasts a rich history, including a gold medal at Atlanta 1996. “I know quite a few guys from the team,” Oshoala said. “What they did at the Olympics was amazing. I hope we can follow them.”
Excitement for Paris
Nigeria will kick off their Olympic campaign against Brazil in Bordeaux before facing Spain and Japan. Oshoala has extra motivation for progressing to the gold-medal match in Paris. “I want my team to go far so I can go to Paris for the basketball. I love LeBron James. I like to see people have an impact outside their sport, and that’s what I see in LeBron.”
Beyond Football
Oshoala’s influence extends beyond the field. In 2015, she launched the Asisat Oshoala Foundation to empower young girls in Nigeria through sport. She aims to change the prevailing belief that sports and education cannot be pursued simultaneously.
“We’ve given hope to young girls, created opportunities for them, taught life skills, and changed lives,” she said. “Some things are just bigger than personal achievements, and my foundation is one of those.”
As Oshoala steps out to represent Nigeria at Paris 2024, she will do so with a deep sense of responsibility. “I know how many kids watch my games,” she added. “I always give 100 per cent because if you’re not at the top, it’s going to be difficult for people to look up to you. The Olympics is so special, but it’s going to be tough too. I need to work hard so I can come out with my head held high and say, ‘Okay, I know I did my best’.”
