August 12, (THEWILL) – After winning a historic and unprecedented fifth African Football player of the Year award on July 21st in Rabat, Morocco, as the first ever African to do so, Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala is once again writing her name in the records as she became the first-ever African woman to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or.
In Thursday’s unveiling of the nominees for Best Players in the male and female categories, the Barcelona Femini striker was nominated alongside Marie-Antoinette Katoto, Millie Bright, Trinity Rodman and Ada Hegerberg.
The 27-year-old Super Falcons’ forward had previously won the CAF honour in 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2019 before claiming her fifth honour last month. As a result, Perpetua Nkwocha, a fellow countrywoman, who won the CAF award four times, is now trailing Oshoala in the standings.
Although the record-setting striker was injured and was unable to compete for the Super Falcons in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations beyond the first tie against eventual winners Banyana Banyana, she is still making history aside from being one of the essential components that has helped Nigeria sustain its dominance in women’s football on the continent.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
