• 13 Nov, 2024
• Tobi Sangotola
• No comment

Oshoala Shines in Record-Breaking Debut NWSL Season with Bay FC

Nigerian forward Asisat Oshoala wrapped up an impressive debut season in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) with Bay FC, solidifying her status as a game-changing force in women’s soccer. Her arrival not only added strength to Bay FC’s roster but also marked a season filled with standout moments that underscored her reputation as a top striker on the global stage.

A Dramatic Finale to the Season

Oshoala closed out her first NWSL season with a memorable performance in Bay FC’s playoff quarterfinal against Washington Spirit at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. The 30-year-old striker gave Bay FC a late lead with a well-timed goal in the 82nd minute, showcasing her signature skill and precision. However, Washington Spirit’s Tara McKeown equalized just four minutes later, and Bay FC’s season came to an end in heartbreaking fashion when an own goal by Caprice Dydasco in extra time sealed a 2-1 defeat.

Bay FC’s Historic Inaugural Season

Bay FC, the first professional women’s soccer team in the Bay Area since the San Jose CyberRays and FC Gold Pride, signed Oshoala in January after her contract with Barcelona ended. Her addition was quickly followed by the acquisition of Zambian forward Racheal Kundananji from Madrid CFF in a groundbreaking $860,000 transfer—the highest in women’s soccer history.

In their first NWSL season, Bay FC made a strong debut, finishing seventh out of 14 teams and securing a spot in the playoffs. Oshoala quickly became a fan favorite at PayPal Park in San Jose, Bay FC’s home ground, where her impactful performances solidified her role as a central figure in the team’s lineup.

Setting Records and Winning Fans

Nicknamed “Agba Baller,” Oshoala made an instant impact, scoring Bay FC’s first-ever NWSL goal with a 17th-minute strike in a 1-0 victory over Angel City FC in Los Angeles on March 18. Her debut goal not only won the game but also marked Bay FC’s first away goal in league play. Throughout the season, Oshoala maintained her impressive form, finishing as the club’s top scorer with seven regular-season goals and adding another in the playoffs for a total of eight goals in her debut season.

A Storied Career of Historic Achievements

Oshoala’s impact on women’s soccer has been monumental throughout her career. Hailing from Ikorodu, Nigeria, she has won numerous accolades, both domestically and internationally. Early in her career, she clinched the Nigerian FA Cup twice with Rivers Angels, and she later lifted the FA Women’s Cup with Arsenal in 2015-16. In China, she won back-to-back Chinese Super League titles with Dalian Quanjian. Her time at FC Barcelona was marked by historic success, where she won five Spanish league titles, three UEFA Women’s Champions League titles, four Supercopas, three Copa de la Reina trophies, and a Copa Catalunya title.

Internationally, Oshoala has been a key player for Nigeria, winning the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations three times and starring in the country’s runner-up finish at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. Across her club career, she has amassed an impressive 105 goals in 156 matches, and she has been named African Women’s Footballer of the Year a record six times.

Africa’s Premier Female Striker in the NWSL

Oshoala’s achievements, powerful playing style, and unyielding dedication have established her as Africa’s premier female striker. Her successful first season with Bay FC has not only cemented her reputation but has also amplified her influence within the NWSL, demonstrating her continued ability to excel and inspire in the international arena of women’s soccer.