Agba Baller At 32: Celebrating Africa’S Pace Setter

On 17th of August 2014, a name broke into Nigeria’s women’s football scene after scoring a beautiful brace against New Zealand during the Under-20 Women’s World Cup.

“Who is this young girl with such an electrifying speed and goalscoring technique?” 

My younger sister asked, but I had no clue.

While trying to figure out who she was, the young lady put up another mesmerising showing three days later. This time, she found the back of the net four times in the semi-final clash against North Korea.

Fans went gaga!

Her performance endeared her to many supporters who wouldn’t stop singing her praises. Even my sister, Florence, immediately fell in love with her skill and style of play.

“I love how she runs and scores her goals,” she admitted.

Her prolific form not only captured Nigerians’ attention; it got the whole world talking. All eyes were on her as scouts and football agents developed a keen interest in her services.

Though the Super Falconets lost to Germany in the final, the then 19-year-old striker won the tournament’s top scorer and MVP awards. Her exploits in Canada convinced Nigerians that she was a gem that must be protected at all costs.

Who is this player? Well, she is no other than Asisat Oshoala — the lady from Rivers Angels.

Post U20 Women’s World Cup Exploit: The Big Guns Came Calling

Expectedly, top European clubs came knocking for Nigeria’s newly discovered jewel, hoping to have such a bright and talented player in their team. In an interview with Daily Trust, she said:

“I won’t want to lie about it, I have a lot of offers at hand. Some of the offers are from France, Portugal, Germany, England and others.”

However, as part of protecting her budding star, Oshoala didn’t rush into joining any European club. Instead, she returned to Rivers Angels, where she continued her growth. When asked about her next destination, she said:

“I still have a lot of things to do at Rivers Angels. I am still a Rivers Angels player.”

WAFCON 2014: Oshoala’s First Dance With The Falcons

A few months later, the young teenager’s name was unsurprisingly included in the country’s WAFCON list. Preparing for what would be her debut tournament, Oshoala knew eyes would be on her regardless of her inexperience and young age.

Luckily, she didn’t have to shoulder the team’s goalscoring burden because Desire Oparanozie and Perpetua Nkwocha were available, firing from all cylinders. 

Oparanozie didn’t just score the goals but also helped Oshoala settle into the team, developing a good bond with the young lady on and off the pitch.

Speaking to Daily Trust, Oshoala admitted that the retired striker was one of the players who brought the best out of her.

“For the U20 national team, it was Courtney Dike. For the senior team, I will say it is Desire Oparanozie. She is really good.”

With four goals, Oshoala won the tournament’s best player award and finished as the second-highest scorer. She successfully proved that the performance in Canada wasn’t a fluke. That was the moment Nigerians began to hold her in high esteem, hoping she would lead the country to more laurels.

Six APOTY Awards: The Rise To A Legendary Status

A decade later, Oshoala had developed from that tall and “newbie-looking” girl into Africa’s most decorated female footballer, with four WAFCON titles and six African Women’s Player of the Year awards to her name.

She became the first African player to win the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award in 2015, the first African player to score in a Champions League final, the first African player to win three Champions League titles, and the first African female player to win the top scorer award in the Spanish league.

She has journeyed around the world, gathering experiences at Arsenal, Liverpool, Dalian Quanjian, Barcelona, and Bay FC in the US National Women’s Soccer League. Unsurprisingly, her achievements on and off the field earned her the famous and deserved nickname — Agba Baller.

Asisat Oshoala Academy: Giving Back To The Community

For all the trophies and records, Oshoala’s story has never been only about herself. Having risen from the streets of Lagos, she has always spoken about giving young girls the chance she had to fight for.

That desire first took shape in 2015, when she established the Asisat Oshoala Foundation to promote access to sport and education for girls. 

In 2022, she took it a step further by launching the Asisat Oshoala Academy (AOA) in partnership with Nike and Women Win.

The academy, which is designed to give girls between the ages of 12 and 18 access to football, has produced young talents for national teams. 

U20 Falconets stars Janet Akekoromowei and Tosin Rafiu began their football careers from the Oshoala's academy. 

Not long ago, it signed 30 new female players, a major step in expanding its mission. One of them, Alani Khadijat Opeyemi, described her inclusion as a life-changing opportunity and a turning point in her journey.

Happy Birthday, Agba Baller!!! 

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How time flies!!! 

The teenager who once lit up Canada with her pace and predatory finishing is now 32, and the “young girl” my sister asked about all those years ago has become a global name.

She has played in some of the biggest leagues in the world, lifted the biggest trophies in club football, and carried the green and white of the Super Falcons with pride.

Happy birthday, Agba Baller. Here’s to more goals, more trophies, and more girls inspired by your journey.