FIFA celebrates Nigeria legend ahead of the U-20 World Cup in Colombia

FIFA has honoured Nigerian football sensation Asisat Oshoala for her outstanding display at the 2014 U-20 Women’s World Cup, a tournament where she truly announced herself on the global stage, Soccernet.ng reports.

The world football governing body took to its official X account to celebrate Oshoala, sharing a video compilation of her tournament highlights, and captioning it, “Agba Baller, from the very start.”

Agba Baller, from the very start. #U20WWC pic.twitter.com/Q5lRbhBZHG— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 17, 2024

Oshoala’s performance during the 2014 U-20 Women’s World Cup was nothing short of extraordinary.

The young forward was pivotal in Nigeria’s impressive run to the final, scoring seven goals that earned her both the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer and the Golden Ball as the best player.

Her remarkable talent and drive not only secured her personal accolades but also helped Nigeria finish as runners-up.

Oshoala’s success didn’t stop at the youth level. Her exceptional performances led to her selection for the Super Falcons, where she played a crucial role in winning the 2014 African Women’s Championship.

That same year, she was crowned the African Women’s Footballer of the Year for the first time, a title she has since claimed a record six times.

Oshoala has also made history on the European stage, becoming the first African player to win the UEFA Women’s Champions League, a feat she has achieved three times with Barcelona (2021, 2023, and 2024).

Additionally, she was the first African woman to score in a UEFA Women’s Champions League final and win the Primera División’s Pichichi Trophy. In August 2022, she became the first African woman nominated for the Ballon d’Or Féminin.

Oshoala’s illustrious career has seen her shine for top clubs across the globe, including Arsenal, Liverpool, and Barcelona.

A new star could yet be born as Nigeria head to Colombia for the 11th edition of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup which is scheduled to take place between 31st August and 22nd September.

The Falconets are one of only four African countries that will be at the tournament alongside Ghana, Morocco, and Cameroon.

Nigeria’s U20 team will battle for honours in Group D together with Germany, South Korea, and Venezuela.