Oshoala Scoops BBC Women’s Player Of The Year Award

Super Falcons’ forward Asisat Oshoala has been named the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Women’s Player of the Year.

Oshoala, who plays her club football for Liverpool Ladies FC of England, was presented with the award on Monday evening after the international friendly game between Nigeria and Canada at the Kia Training Ground, Toronto, which ended 0-0.

Oshoala won the maiden edition of the coveted award ahead of Spain’s Veronica Boquete, Germany’s Nadine Kessler, Scotland’s Kim Little and Brazilian forward Marta.

It is yet another feather in the cap of the 20-year old, who was named the African Woman Player of the Year and African Youth Player at the Glo-CAF African Football Awards in Lagos in January this year.

Last year, the nimble-footed forward was also named the Most Valuable Player of the FIFA U-20 Women World Cup in Canada and, also, the top scorer of the tournament in which Nigeria got to the final.

Oshoala was again named Most Valuable Player at the African Women Championship in Namibia in October 2014, as Nigeria won her seventh title and also finished as the second best scorer with four goals, coming second only to another powerful forward, Super Falcons’ Desire Oparanozie, who scored five.

Oshoala started her career with FC Robo Queens of Lagos in 2009, where she played for four years, before moving to Rivers Angels of Port Harcourt. Last year, she won the League and Cup double with the Angels, before she was snapped up by Liverpool Ladies FC of England early this year.

Ekpo, Omokaro, Others React

Following Oshoala’s win ex-internationals and football chiefs in the country have commended her for the deserving award.

Former ex-international, Friday Ekpo lauded Oshoala for her achievement as the first winner of the award.

Ekpo said it was a well-deserved honour for the player, country and the African continent at large; one which would serve as a motivation for other female players in Nigeria and the continent.

“I must congratulate Asisat for this great development and I hope other female players will follow suit by giving all their best when playing,’’ he said.

Also, the chairman of the Edo State Football Association, Frank Ilaboya, said Oshoala’s victory was a reward for the good football qualities she possessed.

Ilaboya was sure that the win will bring about development which would impact on the Super Falcons’ performance at the forthcoming FIFA Women World Cup holding in Canada in June.

“This news is cheering for us in Nigeria, we are proud of her and we will continue to support her with prayers.

“Our girls will be motivated in Canada and we hope they won’t disappoint the country,’’ he said.

Another ex-international, Bright Omokaro, said that he was hopeful the award will ensure that the government pays more attention to female football in the country.

Omokaro congratulated Oshoala for writing her name in the book of football history.

“This is good news for female football in Nigeria. I hope the government will provide an enabling environment for female footballers to further develop in the country.” he said.