Asisat Oshoala: From Streets of Lagos to the Olympics

On a bright sunny day in San Jose, Asisat Oshoala, the talented pink-haired soccer star, was gearing up for her final game before the Olympic break. She took a moment to share her journey, emphasizing how her passion for soccer was always about having fun rather than turning pro.

At 29 years old, Oshoala is now one of the leading goal-scorers in European soccer. She’s been making waves with Bay FC, her new expansion team in the National Women’s Soccer League, all while preparing to represent Nigeria in the Olympics in France, making this the country’s first Olympic appearance in women’s soccer since 2008.

“It’s always difficult to qualify for the Olympics,” she admitted. Nigeria faced tough competition, but they managed to secure a spot among the 52 African nations. With 37 goals in 60 international games under her belt, Oshoala knows she needs to be at her best to help Nigeria through a challenging group that includes the reigning World Cup champions, Spain, along with Brazil and Japan.

Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she talked about the experience she hopes to enjoy. “I just want to go have fun there, enjoy the experience, and see why it’s special,” she said. Oshoala’s journey has always been driven by curiosity.

Growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, Oshoala faced obstacles as she wasn’t allowed to play soccer by her parents, who viewed it as a distraction from her education. She would tell them she was off to buy bread but instead would play soccer barefoot on the streets with other kids, using concrete and car tires to score goals.

“Sometimes I think, ‘Just take me back,’” Oshoala reminisced about those carefree days. Playing barefoot on concrete might sound rough, but for her, it was joy. If her dad found out, it would lead to trouble for her.

Only her grandma supported her passion, always covering for her when she sneaked off to play. “If you want to go play, go play; I’ll tell your mom I asked you to get something,” she recounted with a smile.

Oshoala’s life took a turn when a man approached her during a game and informed her about women playing soccer at a nearby stadium. “Women playing football? Are you serious?” she recalled her reaction, astonished that such teams existed.

The man invited her to watch and eventually encouraged her to join the FC Robo team in Nigeria. Initially, she hesitated, worried about her dad’s reaction, but he surprisingly agreed, allowing her to train.

At just 14, Oshoala quickly rose to fame, eventually joining Rivers Angels to gain better exposure for the national team. Her journey took her to Liverpool, then Arsenal, where she helped win the FA Cup, followed by a stint in China, where she won the league title and the Golden Boot. Her final destination was Barcelona, where she scored over 100 goals and won numerous trophies, positioning herself as a finalist for the Ballon d’Or.

<p“Oshoala has always been aware of the struggles faced by many girls in Nigeria who lack opportunities to play soccer,” she shared. This awareness sparked her desire to help others.

She initiated a foundation to provide soccer gear and opportunities for young girls in Lagos, collecting supplies from her teammates in Europe. Oshoala aims to showcase their talent and ensure they remain engaged in education, emphasizing the importance of balancing sports with schooling.

Having dropped out of school herself to pursue soccer, she regrets that decision and is adamant that young girls don’t have to choose between education and sports.

Through her foundation, she has positively impacted over 5,000 girls in Nigeria and even launched the Asisat Oshoala Academy for U-15 and U-17 girls to train in soccer and academics.

<p"Now, every girl at the academy is in school. Those who can’t go are learning other skills,” she noted, excited about their growth.

In league play, Oshoala is still adjusting to her role with Bay FC. As they head into the Olympic break, she has scored three times in 15 games. “It’s been a roller coaster,” she reflected, aware of the challenges but confident in improvements.

Her father, once skeptical about soccer, is now her biggest fan. Even though he won’t be traveling to see her play in Paris, he watches every game, no matter the hour.

“Even if I’m playing at midnight,” she laughed, a hint of pride in her voice about her father’s unwavering support.