Nigeria’s most celebrated female footballer, Asisat Oshoala, has finally addressed growing rumours surrounding her alleged retirement from international football, firmly dismissing the speculation as false.
Speaking to journalists in Morocco following Nigeria’s dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over hosts Morocco in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), the six-time African Player of the Year set the record straight.
“I don’t know where that came from but that must be agenda setting . I get it, but I’m not bothered. I’m still here. I’m still playing. I’m still doing my job. That’s what I’m focused on,” she said, brushing aside the retirement claims.
Oshoala, 30, had featured sparingly throughout the tournament, fuelling speculations across social media that she might be stepping away from the Super Falcons.
But the Barcelona Femeni forward was listed among Nigeria’s final 23-player squad for the WAFCON tournament, affirming her continued presence in the national team setup.
Reacting to the Super Falcons’ hard-fought triumph, Oshoala delivered an inspiring message to fans and aspiring footballers alike. “I just think from today’s (Saturday) game, what I would say is don’t give up, keep fighting until the end. There’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. If you believe, only if you believe. To be honest with you, I’m always ready. I always tell my girls like, stay ready anytime you can get called on, upon. And when you get called on, go out there and show yourselves.”
Oshoala’s illustrious journey with the national team began in 2013 when she made her senior debut in a friendly match against Japan under interim coach Edwin Okon.
Her breakout came in 2014 at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Canada, where she emerged as top scorer and best player. Later that year, she played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s triumph at the African Women’s Championship, earning the Player of the Tournament award.
In recognition of her rising profile and contributions to Nigerian football, she was honoured with the national title of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) by then-President Goodluck Jonathan.
She has since represented Nigeria in three consecutive FIFA Women’s World Cups—2015, 2019, and 2023—becoming the first African to score in all three editions.
Her trophy cabinet includes multiple WAFCON titles, with her most recent win in 2024 adding to previous successes in 2014, 2016, and 2018. Though injuries and team tactics have limited her playing time in some recent tournaments, Oshoala’s influence on and off the pitch remains undisputed, and her latest remarks reaffirm her unwavering commitment to the Super Falcons’ cause.
