'Barcelona, Man Utd players are always my favourites' – 2024 Wafcon winner Oshoala on her idols

2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations-winning striker Asisat Oshoala has reflected on her early inspirations in football, revealing how the lack of visibility in women's football during her childhood led her to admire male players and clubs, particularly Barcelona and Manchester United.

A three-time World Cupper, Oshoala has lifted the Women's Africa Cup of Nations on four occasions with the Super Falcons.

The six-time CAF Women's Player of the Year explained how the absence of televised women's games during her formative years shaped her footballing preferences.

"Honestly, growing up, this is one of the things. I think visibility is better now when it comes to women's football in general,” Oshoala said on Arise News.

"I didn't have a female idol that I looked up to when I was younger because the games were not televised. You don't see them in newspapers, news, and all that."

As a result, the Super Falcons legend admitted that she was more drawn to male footballers.

"I used to follow the male teams; I supported male sportspeople more. I liked Cristiano Ronaldo, Louis Saha. Most of the time, Barcelona and United players are always my favourite players."

Now a global ambassador for women's football, Oshoala acknowledged the progress the sport has made and expressed gratitude to the trailblazers who came before her, crediting them with laying the foundation for her own rise.

"Right now, if you Google players to see who has the most goals in the clubs, you have the likes of Perpetua Nkwocha.

"Those are the people that actually paved the way for someone like me to be able to come into the Super Falcons and enjoy certain things.

"You have the goalkeeper Precious Dede, Rita Chikwelu, so many Super Falcons players. I was fortunate to play with some of them before they retired."

Over the course of a distinguished 16-year career, Oshoala has represented some of Europe's most renowned clubs, including Liverpool, Arsenal and Barcelona, before making a high-profile move to National Women's Soccer League side Bay FC.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com