…as Agba-Baller bows out international duties
As Asisat Oshoala brings to an end her illustrious international career, there could be no better way than the Nigerian Super Falcons lifting the WAFCON 2024/25 trophy, as a perfect send-off for one of Africa’s greatest female footballers.
The victory not only secured another continental title for the Super Falcons but also served as a fitting tribute to Oshoala’s years of dedication, leadership, and brilliance on the pitch.
African football icon Oshoala, who is a six-time African Women’s Player of the Year made the emotional decision of retirement from international duty following Nigeria’s campaign at the 2024/25 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, closing a chapter marked by passion, leadership, and record-breaking performances on the continental stage.
The former Barcelona Femeni forward recently announced her retirement from international duties for Nigeria on Facebook, stressing that it was a necessary step to pave the way for emerging talents to shine on the global stage.
“At 30, with six African Women’s Best Player awards, I will bow out to start a new chapter after WAFCON 2024/25,” she wrote on Facebook.
In addition, she wrote, “Thank you for your unwavering support. I’m forever grateful for the love and sacrifices shared with me through this journey.”
‘Agba-Baller’, which means “Legendary Footballer”, as she is popularly known amongst her Nigerian fans has a career record of six CAF Women’s Player of the Year titles spanning 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022 and 2023, making her the most decorated player in the history of African women’s football.
Oshoala’s relentless drive, goal-scoring prowess, and global impact have made her a role model for countless young athletes across the continent.
Born October 9, 1994, ‘Agba-Baller’ is a highly decorated Nigerian professional footballer, and currently plays as a forward for Barcelona FC and the Nigeria women’s national team.
Oshoala previously played for English clubs such as Arsenal and Liverpool, Chinese club Dalian, and Nigerian clubs Rivers Angels and FC Robo.
She won the 2015 FA Women’s Cup with Arsenal; two league championships and a cup title with Dalian; and the 2019–20 Copa de la Reina and 2019–20 Supercopa de España Femenina with Barcelona.
In 2019, she became the first African player to score a goal in a UEFA Women’s Champions League final. On May 16, 2021, Oshoala became the first African woman to win the UEFA Champions League, after Barcelona defeated Chelsea 4–0 in the finals.
The following season, she became the first African woman to win the Primera División’s Pichichi Trophy, and in August 2022 became the first African woman nominated to the Ballon d’Or Féminin. In 2024, she became the first African player to win the UEFA Champions League three times.
Oshoala was the highest goal scorer at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and was named the best player at the tournament. She was also named the best player and second highest goal scorer with the Super Falcons team who won the 2014 African Women’s Championship.
In September 2014, Oshoala was made a Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) by Goodluck Jonathan, the then president of Nigeria. In 2021, she was named in the Forbes 30 under 30.
In July 2023, after her group stage heroics against Australia in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Oshoala saw a massive increase in her Instagram followership which made her become the first African female footballer to have a million followers on the social media platform.
As the Super Falcons step out on Saturday, July 26 to reclaim the covet trophy in a match many believe would be a thrilling encounter against the Moroccan women at the Stade Olympique in Rabat.
Nothing but a victory and lifting of Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON trophy would be adequate and befitting a send-forth gift for the legendary female footballer.
Super Falcons must be prepared to overcome every odds including the teeming Moroccan fans, referee and the antics of their North African opponents; it will be a football war.
Victory, and the trophy is the best way to say good-bye to ‘Agba-Baller’ as she retires from international duty.
