In a heartfelt statement that shook the footballing world, Nigerian superstar Asisat Oshoala has announced she will retire from international football after the upcoming 2024/25 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The 30-year-old forward, widely regarded as one of the greatest female footballers Africa has ever produced, says she is ready to close one chapter and open another.
“At 30, with six African Women’s Best Player awards, I will bow out to start a new chapter after WAFCON 2024/25,” she declared.
A Trailblazing Legacy
Oshoala’s retirement will mark the end of a historic era for the Super Falcons of Nigeria. Since bursting onto the global scene at the 2014 U-20 Women’s World Cup—where she won the Golden Ball and Golden Boot—she has gone on to rewrite the record books.
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Among her many accolades:
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6x CAF African Women’s Player of the Year (a record)
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UEFA Champions League winner with FC Barcelona
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The first African woman to play in England’s top flight
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First African woman nominated for the Ballon d’Or Féminin
Her explosive pace, clinical finishing, and unshakable leadership have made her not just a household name, but an inspiration for a new generation of African girls chasing football dreams.
Why Now?
While the announcement comes as a surprise to many, Oshoala has hinted at retirement in the past, citing the physical toll of top-level football and her desire to focus on mentorship, advocacy, and family.
“It’s never just about goals or trophies,” she once told reporters. “It’s about impact—and I want to leave while I’m still at my peak.”
Her decision also appears to be timed with Nigeria’s preparations for WAFCON 2024/25, where she hopes to lead the Super Falcons to a record-extending title one last time.
What Comes Next?
Though she will hang up her international boots, Oshoala’s journey is far from over. Sources close to the striker say she is preparing to launch a sports foundation focused on women’s football development in Africa. She’s also rumored to be eyeing roles in coaching, sports diplomacy, and global ambassadorship for the game.
A Final Bow in Style
If WAFCON 2025 is indeed her swan song, Oshoala will undoubtedly leave on her own terms—at the top, with the applause still ringing, and a legacy unmatched in African football.
“I gave everything. And now, I leave with no regrets,” she said. And the continent will surely agree—Asisat Oshoala gave everything, and more.
