History in the making: Barcelona alum Oshoala battles Arsenal star, Marta, 8 others for new Fifa award

Barcelona alum Asisat Oshoala is aiming to enter into the history books as the first winner of the Fifa Marta Award.

Nominated alongside ten other players, the Super Falcons striker is in contention for the accolade, which will be awarded for the first time at The Best Fifa Football Awards 2024 in January 2025.

Fifa introduced a new award, the 'Marta Award’, to recognize the best goal in women's football, named in honor of the legendary Brazilian soccer player.

The Best awards have been presented since their inception in 2016, with a Puskás category for the best goal in men's football, but this is the first time Fifa has introduced an award specifically for the best goal in women’s football.

Eleven players from nine different nationalities, including Brazil, England, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Nigeria, Serbia and the USA, have been shortlisted for the Marta Award. 

The award celebrates the most spectacular goals of the qualifying period, which was from 21 August 2023 to 10 August 2024.

In addition to Oshoala, the other players competing for the award are Arsenal forward Beth Mead, who has been nominated for her goal against West Ham United on November 26, 2023, Delphine Cascarino, Marina Hegering, Sakina Karchaoui, Paulina Krumbiegel, Marta, Nina Matejic, Giuseppina Moraca, Mayra Pelayo and Trinity Rodman.

The reigning African Footballer of the Year has been nominated for her goal for Barcelona in their Champions League clash against Benfica on November 14, 2023.

After coming off the bench in the 60th minute to replace Mariona Caldentey, Oshoala was celebrating a goal forty seconds later.

The Nigeria international flung herself into the air and pedalled home a bicycle kick of the highest order past a helpless Lena Pauels.

Oshoala's compatriot, Paul Onuachu is in the running for the Fifa Puskás Award, which is exclusively for men's football. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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