Super Falcons striker Asisat Oshoala paid a heartfelt visit to the Asisat Oshoala Academy (AOA) in Lagos, her initiative aimed at empowering the girl-child through football and education.
During the visit, Oshoala connected with academy players and officials, thanking them for their unwavering support during the WAFCON tournament, where the team watched the final together in solidarity.
“I think it’s very important for me to come say hi to them today. They are my girls and my team,” Oshoala said. “They watched the final together, and I just wanted to be with them.”
She also revealed plans to join the team in their upcoming training sessions.
Despite her demanding schedule, the six-time African Player of the Year emphasised that she remains closely involved in the day-to-day progress of the academy through constant communication with team captains and regular performance reviews.
Reflecting on her tough rise from the streets of Lagos, Oshoala said her experiences inspired the founding of the AOA as a beacon of hope for the next generation of female footballers.
In a major boost to the academy’s mission, the AOA recently signed 30 new female players, expanding its reach and reaffirming its commitment to nurturing young talent. According to the Head of Operations, Oluwaseun Savage, the new recruits were selected based on both their football ability and academic excellence.
“These girls have shown great talent and dedication—not just on the pitch, but also in their studies,” Savage said. “Our model merges education and football to provide a holistic path to success.”
The new recruits participated in high-performance sessions, digital literacy training, and tactical match analysis during their orientation, highlighting AOA’s commitment to building well-rounded athletes.
One of the newly signed players, Alani Khadijat Opeyemi, described her inclusion as “a life-changing opportunity”, noting that joining the academy represents a significant turning point in her life and prospects.
