Fresh from her triumph at the 2024 Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Super Falcons striker Asisat Oshoala paid a heartfelt visit to the Asisat Oshoala Academy in Lagos.
The academy, which she founded to empower young girls across Nigeria through football and creative skills, welcomed her with excitement and pride.
The visit provided Oshoala an opportunity to connect with the players and staff, and to thank them for their unwavering support during the tournament. Notably, the academy team had gathered to watch the final match together.
“It’s essential for me to come and say hi to them today. They are my girls and my team. They watched the final together, and I just wanted to be with them,” Oshoala shared during the visit. She also announced plans to join their training sessions in the coming week.
Despite her demanding schedule, Oshoala emphasized her commitment to staying engaged with the academy. She maintains regular communication with the players through their captain and officials and holds feedback sessions to monitor their progress and well-being. Reflecting on her challenging journey as a young footballer in Lagos, she explained that the lack of opportunities inspired her to create the AOA platform for the next generation.
In a significant step forward, the academy recently welcomed 30 new players, reinforcing its mission to blend football with education. According to Head of Operations Oluwaseun Savage, the selected girls demonstrated excellence both on and off the pitch.
“These girls have shown great talent and dedication, not just in football but also in their studies,” Savage said. “It’s not just about playing the game; we are merging education and football to prepare them for a better future.”
As part of their induction, the new players visited the academy’s facilities, participated in high-performance training sessions, engaged in digital literacy programs, and toured the match review and tactical analysis room.
One of the newly signed players, Alani Khadijat Opeyemi, described the opportunity as transformative. “This is a life-changing moment for me. It marks a turning point in my journey,” she said.