Asisat Oshoala Breaks African Record at the World Cup

Asisat Oshoala breaks African record
Credit: Icon Sport

Asisat Oshoala, the renowned Nigerian forward, has etched her name in football history by becoming the first African player to achieve a remarkable feat – scoring in three different FIFA Women's World Cup tournaments.

A true trailblazer for women's football in Nigeria, Asisat Oshoala's goal-scoring prowess has been on full display in each of the World Cups she has participated in.

From her debut in 2015 to her latest performance in 2023, Super Falcons' Oshoala has consistently found the back of the net, solidifying her status as a prolific goal-scorer and a key asset to the Nigerian national team.

Let's take a closer look at Oshoala's incredible journey of goal-scoring excellence, as she accomplished this historic milestone with her crucial strikes against Sweden in 2015, South Korea in 2019, and Australia in 2023.

2015 Women's World Cup: Asisat Oshoala First Goal in FIFA Women's World Cup 

Asisat Oshoala's goal in the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup against Sweden was a remarkable display of her exceptional footballing talent and showcased her as one of the rising stars in women's football. The match was Nigeria's opening fixture in the tournament, and Oshoala's goal played a pivotal role in securing a hard-fought draw against the formidable Swedish side.

During the 53rd minute of the match, Oshoala found herself in possession of the ball. Her incredible speed and agility allowed her to burst past several Swedish defenders, leaving them trailing behind as she made her way towards the opposition's goal. Her ability to control the ball and maintain her composure while sprinting at such a pace was truly impressive and demonstrated the level of skill she possessed.

As she closed in on the goal, Asisat Oshoala remained cool-headed, making a composed finish to calmly slot the ball past the Swedish goalkeeper and into the back of the net. The precision and confidence with which she executed the goal reflected the maturity and poise in her gameplay, despite her young age.

2019 Women's World Cup: Asisat Oshoala's Sensational Strike Secures Historic Victory for Nigeria

Asisat Oshoala once again showcased her goal-scoring prowess in the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup in the group stage match against South Korea.

During the 75th minute of the match, with Nigeria leading 1-0, Asisat Oshoala found herself in a threatening position near the South Korean goal. As the ball was played to her, she displayed her trademark speed and agility, darting past the defenders with her quick footwork.

Oshoala's speed left the South Korean defenders struggling to keep up with her, and she managed to create enough space for herself to take a shot on goal. With a powerful strike, she hammered the ball past the goalkeeper, finding the back of the net with precision and finesse.

Her goal in that match secured a crucial 2-0 victory for Nigeria, a result that significantly boosted their chances of advancing from the group stage to the Women’s World Cup knockout stages for the second time in history.

Beyond the immediate impact on that specific match, Asisat Oshoala's goal against South Korea further solidified her reputation as a top-class striker in women's football. Her ability to score crucial goals on the world's biggest stage demonstrated her composure under pressure and her capacity to make a difference when it mattered the most.

2023 Women's World Cup: History Made! Asisat Oshoala Becomes First African to Score at Three World Cups with Goal against Australia!

Despite starting the game on the bench, Asisat Oshoala's introduction in the second half proved to be a game-changer for the Nigerian team.

In the match against Australia, Oshoala showcased her versatility and attacking prowess. After coming on as a substitute, she immediately made her presence felt by providing an assist that led to Nigeria's third goal. Oshoala teed up Osinachi Ohale, who found the back of the net to give Nigeria the lead.

But Oshoala's contribution did not end there. She continued to be a constant threat to the Australian defense with her incredible speed and skill. In the 72nd minute, she capitalized on a defensive mixup by the Australian team, demonstrating her quick thinking and determination. With her impressive dribbling ability, she managed to beat three Australian defenders to the ball and slot it home with her right foot from a tight angle.

The significance of Oshoala's goal extended beyond the match itself. She needs one goal to surpass Nkiru Okosieme and Rita Nwadike as the top goal-scorers for the Super Falcons in the Women's World Cup, further solidifying her status as one of Nigeria's all-time greats in women's football.

Additionally, Oshoala's goal in the 2023 Women's World Cup made her the first African player to score at three Women's World Cup tournaments, a remarkable achievement that highlights her consistency and excellence on the international stage.

The victory against Australia propelled Nigeria to the top of Group B, tied with Canada with four points each, placing them in a strong position to advance further in the tournament. Oshoala's outstanding performance not only inspired her teammates but also earned her well-deserved recognition and praise from fans and pundits alike.

Asisat Oshoala's remarkable contributions to the 2023 Women's World Cup once again demonstrated her exceptional talent and ability to rise to the occasion in crucial moments. She continues to be a true trailblazer for women's football in Nigeria and across the African continent, inspiring a new generation of footballers to dream big and achieve greatness on the world stage.

This article was most recently revised and updated 3 months ago

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