Credit: Asisat Oshoala/Instagram
If you’ve ever heard Asisat Oshoala called “Agba Baller,” you’ll know it’s not just a nickname – it’s a title that perfectly captures her command of the game. From Mushin, Lagos, to the world’s biggest stadiums, Asisat’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Her skill and determination have made her one of the greatest players in the history of football, and we can’t help but talk about it.
The title “Agba Baller” is more than a compliment; it’s a recognition of her dominance on the pitch. With every record shattered, every goal scored, and every trophy lifted, Asisat continues to show the world why she’s truly deserving of that moniker.
Her list of achievements is extraordinary. She’s the first African striker to score in a UEFA Women’s Champions League final and has won the CAF African Women’s Player of the Year award six times – a record that speaks volumes about her consistency and excellence.
But before the global spotlight, Asisat’s football dreams began on the streets of Mushin, where she played for FC Robo. Back then, the goal was simple: play football and make something of herself. But even at that stage, her talent was undeniable. Her skill and determination soon led her to Rivers Angels, where she began collecting trophies and making waves in Nigerian football.
Her skills caught the attention of international scouts, leading her to England in 2015, where she became the first African woman to play in the Women’s Super League. After England, she moved to China, dominating the league and adding more silverware to her growing collection.
Then came Barcelona, the turning point in her career. Asisat became a vital player for the club, helping them achieve treble-winning campaigns and becoming one of their all-time leading scorers. Her contributions to Barcelona earned her back-to-back nominations for the Ballon d’Or – the first in 2022, making her the first African woman nominated for the prestigious award, and the second in 2023 after a stellar season where she scored 21 league goals.
Alhamdulilah #2 …… @FCBfemeni #ChampionOfEurope pic.twitter.com/u1Ai6MnM04
— ASISAT M.O.N (@AsisatOshoala) June 3, 2023
Asisat’s impact goes beyond club football. She’s been instrumental for the Nigerian national team, particularly during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where her performances inspired a continent and showcased her ability to thrive on the world stage.
Her journey now includes the National Women’s Soccer League with Bay FC, where she recently scored the team’s first-ever playoff goal in their debut season. It was a historic moment for Bay FC and a testament to Asisat’s ability to make a difference wherever she plays.
What truly sets Asisat apart is how she carries Africa with her in everything she does. She’s not just representing Nigeria; she’s inspiring young girls across the continent to dream big and aim higher. CAF captured it perfectly when they tweeted: “Stars come and go, but Asisat Oshoala remains.”
Stars come and go, but 𝐀𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐭 𝐎𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐚𝐥𝐚 remains. 🌟🇳🇬 #FridayFeeling pic.twitter.com/rATKqQvVm7
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) December 6, 2024
From Lagos to Barcelona and now the NWSL, Asisat has shown the world what it means to dream big, work hard, and break barriers. Her legacy isn’t just in her achievements – it’s in the hope and possibilities she inspires.
