Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala has refuted widespread speculation that she has retired from international football, clarifying her commitment to the national team following Nigeria’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Morocco in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final.
Speaking with reporters in Morocco after the historic win, the six-time African Player of the Year addressed the retirement rumours saying, “I don’t know where that came from but agenda must agend. I get it, but I’m not bothered. I’m still here. I’m still playing. I’m still doing my job. That’s what I’m focused on.”
The 30-year-old striker, who featured sparingly during the tournament, remain a vital member of Nigeria’s squad and was included in the Super Falcons’ final 23-player list for the competition.
Rumours of her retirement had circulated widely on social media during WAFCON.
Reacting to Nigeria’s comeback win over the host nation, Oshoala offered words of encouragement to younger players and fans, “What I would say is don’t give up, keep fighting until the end. There’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. If you believe, only if you believe. I always tell my girls, stay ready. Anytime you can get called on, and when you do, go out there and show yourselves.”
Oshoala made her debut for the Super Falcons in 2013 at the age of 18 and rose to prominence after a standout performance at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, where she won both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball, helping Nigeria reach the final.
She has since represented Nigeria in three FIFA Women’s World Cups (2015, 2019, and 2023), multiple WAFCON tournaments and the 2015 African Games, winning the WAFCON in 2014, 2016, 2018 and now 2024.
Beyond her success in national colours, the Lagos-born forward has enjoyed a stellar club career, most notably with FC Barcelona Femeni, where she became the first African woman to score in a UEFA Women’s Champions League final in 2019.
