Asisat Oshoala’s Exciting Transition: From Bay FC to the Saudi Women’s Premier League
nigerian forward Asisat Oshoala has embarked on a new chapter in her career by joining Al-Hilal, a prominent team competing in the saudi women’s Premier League. This transfer follows her impactful tenure at Bay FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), signaling a fresh phase for one of Africa’s most celebrated footballers.
New Contract and Career Milestones
The 30-year-old striker has committed to a two-year contract with Al-hilal, tho the financial details remain undisclosed. Before this move, Oshoala made waves during Bay FC’s inaugural 2024 season after transferring from Barcelona, where she won two UEFA Women’s Champions League titles.
In her debut season with Bay FC based in San Francisco, she scored seven goals and made history by netting the club’s first-ever goal on March 17, 2024-just 17 minutes into their match against Angel City SC.
A Pillar of Leadership and Inspiration
Bay FC’s sporting director highlighted Oshoala’s invaluable contribution beyond scoring: “Her professionalism and uplifting attitude have been central to shaping our club culture.” Her leadership both on and off the pitch was instrumental during Bay FC’s foundational year.
Africa’s Leading Female Football Star
Widely regarded as one of Africa’s most accomplished female players,Oshoala has earned the African Women player of the Year award six times-the latest being in 2023-highlighting her enduring supremacy across continental competitions.
The Nigerian icon played a crucial role as Nigeria clinched its record-extending tenth Africa Cup of Nations title recently. Her hometown Ikorodu proudly honors her as one of its greatest sports ambassadors. Notably,she became the first African woman ever nominated for the Ballon d’Or,an annual award recognizing global football excellence.
Pioneering Global Recognition Amid Fierce Competition
This historic Ballon d’Or nomination placed Oshoala among elite international talents; although she narrowly lost out to Spain’s Alexia Putellas in 2022-a year that also marked her final receipt of African Player of the Year honors-her influence remains profound within women’s soccer worldwide.
Nigerian Stars Bolster Al-Hilal as Saudi Women’s Football grows Rapidly
At Al-Hilal, Asisat joins fellow Nigerians Ashleigh Plumptre and Francisca Ordega amid an increasing Nigerian presence strengthening saudi Arabia’s burgeoning women’s league. This trend reflects important investments by Middle Eastern clubs aiming to raise competitive standards and visibility for women’s football across the region.
