As Nigeria’s Super Falcons prepare to launch another quest for continental glory against tournament debutants Malawi, Asisat Oshoala has made one thing crystal clear.
– “winning the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations remains non-negotiable“.
However, for the six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year, lifting another trophy is no longer enough.
Standing on the main day of Nigeria’s title defence, the Super Falcons icon believes African women’s football has reached a defining moment.
The quality is there. The stars are there. The global recognition is growing.
Now, she says, the tournament itself must catch up.
From fuller stadiums and better television coverage to bigger sponsorship deals and greater visibility for African stars, Oshoala has challenged African football to dream bigger as Nigeria begin their bid for a record-extending 11th WAFCON crown.
Super Falcons Eye Historic 11th WAFCON Crown
Nigeria begin their Group C campaign against Malawi in Rabat, determined to defend the title they dramatically reclaimed after coming from 2-0 down to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 in last year’s unforgettable final.
The Super Falcons remain Africa’s most successful women’s national team, having won 10 WAFCON titles (or 12) if the early editions in 1991 and 1995 are included.
While Justin Madugu’s side are expected to challenge strongly once again, Oshoala insists success should not only be measured by what happens when the final whistle blows.
‘I Want Nigeria Winning It Again’ – Asisat Oshoala
The former Barcelona star admitted that winning remains the team’s primary objective.
However, she believes every edition of WAFCON should leave a lasting legacy that extends far beyond the trophy presentation.
“I’m looking forward to Nigeria winning it again,” Oshoala said during a CAF media roundtable.
“That’s always the goal, but with every edition there also has to be improvement, both on and off the pitch.”
“I’d love to see more fans in the stadiums, more marketing, more commercial opportunities.”
She believes the tournament has already made significant progress but insists there is still much more to achieve.
“The last edition generated a lot of attention online and the media coverage was better than previous tournaments.”
“If there’s even more promotion this time, it will help spread African women’s football to people who still don’t know enough about it.”
Oshoala Have Witnessed African Football’s Evolution
Few players are better qualified to speak about the growth of women’s football in Africa than Oshoala.
Since making her WAFCON debut in 2014, she has watched the women’s game transform from one with limited opportunities into one producing some of the world’s biggest stars.
The Nigerian striker’s own journey mirrors that evolution.
After beginning her career in Nigeria, she has gone on to play professionally in England, China, Spain, the United States with Bay FC, and now Saudi Arabia with Al Hilal.
Reflecting on that remarkable journey, Oshoala said:
“It’s been an amazing journey for me personally.”
“I’ve experienced the growth of women’s football in Africa from when I started playing until now, and I’ve also been able to compare it with other continents where I’ve played.”
“It’s been really impressive.”
Although there is progress, she believes African football must continue pushing forward.
“Of course, there’s still room for improvement. There are many things that can get better but I think we’re on the right path.”
The Empty Seats That Still Bother Oshoala
One memory from last year’s tournament continues to stay with the Nigerian superstar.
While Morocco’s dramatic final against Nigeria created an unforgettable atmosphere, she believes many matches before that failed to attract enough supporters.
“The Final had an amazing atmosphere,” she said.
“But before then, unless Morocco were playing, the stadiums weren’t always full.”
For Oshoala, the solution lies in increasing awareness across the continent and beyond.
“That’s where awareness and media work become important. I’d like to see even more media coverage that reaches new audiences.”
‘Football Took Me Places I Never Imagined’ – Oshoala
Away from trophies and titles, Asisat Oshoala also narrated on how football completely transformed her life.
The sport has taken her around the world, which is an opportunity she says would never have existed otherwise.
“I’m blessed to be a professional footballer,” she said.
“One of the things I love most is that football has allowed me to take my craft to places I never imagined.”
The Super Falcons star added:
“I’ve played on different continents, travelled around the world, experienced different cultures and met so many people.”
“It’s one of the reasons I’m always grateful for this career.”
“If not for football, I don’t think I would have packed my bags one day and decided to go to China or America.”
“Football has given me those experiences, and I’ll always be grateful for them.”
African Stars Are No Longer Waiting for Recognition
According to Oshoala, African women’s football has reached a stage where its biggest stars no longer need permission to belong among the world’s elite.
She pointed to Zambia captain Barbra Banda’s growing global profile and Malawi striker Tabitha Chawinga’s exploits on the biggest European stages as proof that African players have arrived.
“At the end of the day, the goal is to improve the game, develop more players and give as many African players as possible visibility around the world,” she said.
“That’s what’s happening now.”
Highlighting Banda’s increasing commercial presence, she continued:
“Barbara Banda was in Times Square. That’s amazing.”
She also praised Malawi striker Tabitha Chawinga’s achievements.
“You see players like Tabitha Chawinga playing in UEFA Champions League finals.”
“If you name the top 50 players in the world today, you have to include African players.”
“That’s what visibility does.”
Why Better Broadcasting Could Change Everything
For Oshoala, the next challenge is ensuring the world actually gets to watch Africa’s finest footballers when they return home for WAFCON.
She believes improved television coverage would create opportunities not only for players but also for clubs, agents and sponsors across the globe.
“There are still audiences we haven’t reached,” she said.
“Players who compete in America and other countries should have their clubs and teammates able to watch them play live.”
“Better broadcasting would help the game. It would also give players more exposure because agents and clubs could watch from anywhere.”
“That visibility helps African women’s football grow.”
The striker stated that visibility can directly influence careers.
“If people can’t watch these players, they won’t have opportunities to sign for bigger clubs.”
“Every WAFCON creates opportunities for players to grow, move to bigger clubs and become bigger names.”
“That’s what this tournament can do.”
“It’s also exciting to compete against players of that quality because it makes the tournament even more interesting.”
Changing Minds Beyond Football
Perhaps Oshoala’s proudest achievement is not measured by goals or trophies.
Instead, it is the changing perception of girls’ football across Africa.
The striker revealed that even she had to overcome family resistance while growing up because football was often viewed as a boys’ sport.
“One thing I’m proud of is seeing how much the game has changed,” she said.
“Take Saudi Arabia, for example.”
“Years ago girls weren’t allowed to play. Even in Africa, there are still families who don’t allow their daughters to play sport.”
She recalled her own childhood struggles.
“I experienced that growing up too. My parents didn’t want me to play because I was a girl.”
Today, the story is completely different.
“Now parents send me messages asking if their daughters can join my academy.”
For Oshoala, that shift represents the greatest victory of all.
“The game has grown beyond where people had to constantly fight for acceptance.”
“People are still fighting, don’t get me wrong, but there has been huge progress.”
Malawi First…
Nigeria’s Super Falcons immediate attention is fixed on Tuesday’s Group C opener against tournament debutants Malawi as the Super Falcons begin another pursuit of continental glory.
Yet, beyond the chase for an unprecedented 11th WAFCON title, Oshoala is fighting for something even bigger.
She wants;
- packed stadiums,
- worldwide television audiences,
- stronger commercial investment,
- more opportunities for African players, and
- a future where every young girl with a football dream believes the world’s biggest stages belong to her too.
Winning another trophy would be special but helping transform African women’s football forever would be even greater.
