Asisat Oshoala, the 30-year-old Nigerian footballer, has become an icon both on and off the pitch. Having played for prominent clubs such as Liverpool and Arsenal, Oshoala achieved global recognition with Barcelona, where she became the first African woman to win the Champions League. Her journey to stardom began as the top scorer at the U20 World Cup in 2014, a pivotal moment that opened doors through communication. Despite her success, Oshoala faced significant challenges, particularly from her parents, who initially did not support her football aspirations. Now playing for Bay FC, her focus has shifted towards giving back to the community through her foundation and her role as an ambassador for the GSMA, advocating for young girls in Africa to pursue their dreams with the help of technology.
Oshoala's path to professional football was marked by familial resistance. Her parents, especially her father, were hesitant about her pursuing a career in football. She recalls having to run away when her father approached while she played with boys on the street or beach. It wasn't until after her remarkable performance at the U20 World Cup that her father granted her the opportunity to play professionally.
"It was not until after the U20 World Cup, when I came back, that my dad, who I feared the most in my family, gave me the option to play professionally, basically. He told me I was good enough. From the moment that he said yes everything else was secondary." – Asisat Oshoala
This turning point allowed Oshoala to embrace her football career fully and eventually become an influential figure in the sport.
Her success story is not just about personal achievement but also about her commitment to empowering future generations. Oshoala is determined to ensure that young girls in Africa are not discouraged from playing football as she once was. Her foundation and ambassadorial role with GSMA focus on providing opportunities and hope for young girls, connecting them with the world through technology and social media.
"If you can teach one kid, they can teach their parents, their siblings, their whole family. Incredible things are going to happen in Africa when they have these opportunities because there are so many talented people there. It is going to be a different world." – Asisat Oshoala
Oshoala's vision is rooted in her experiences and values. She refuses to associate with organizations that do not align with her principles, emphasizing the importance of being a role model for aspiring athletes.
"I am not going to sign a contract with betting companies. I know that kids look up to me. I do not want them going in that direction. I am never going to take that, no matter how many millions are offered. These are my values. I know who I am." – Asisat Oshoala
The foundation she established prioritizes education alongside sports. Oshoala stresses the importance of balancing academics with athletics for the girls in her academy.
"All the girls in my academy, I make sure they go to school, I make sure they are educated because I do not want to preach leaving education just because you want to play sports. I am preaching playing sports and education at the same time." – Asisat Oshoala
Despite financial constraints, her foundation strives to alleviate some burdens from parents, ensuring that young girls have access to essential resources.
"We cannot fund all the kids because we do not have the money but we try to take the burden off the parents." – Asisat Oshoala
Oshoala's efforts extend beyond just providing resources; she aims to eliminate barriers to opportunities by addressing basic skills often overlooked.
"Some people cannot even write their own CV," – Asisat Oshoala
She acknowledges that what might seem simple can be complex for those without guidance, and she is committed to changing this narrative for young girls in society.
"It is simple to people who know how to do it but it might not be simple to them. They see it as complex. These are the kind of things you want to eradicate. These are the kind of opportunities you want to give to the young girls in society these days." – Asisat Oshoala
Oshoala's journey from a young girl defying societal norms to a global football star underscores her belief in being built differently.
"I believe I am built differently. I am built to help generations to come. This is me." – Asisat Oshoala
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