Sports
From the Streets of Lagos to Global Icon: Asisat Oshoala’s Unbreakable Bond with Nigeria
In an exclusive interview, six-time African Women’s Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala reflects on her incredible journey from the streets of Lagos to global football superstardom. Exploring her deep Nigerian roots, her triumphs in Europe, and her new chapter with Al Hilal in the Saudi Women’s Premier League, Oshoala reveals that her true legacy lies in empowering the next generation of African girls.
There is a grounding force that tethers the world’s greatest athletes to their beginnings, no matter how far their talents take them.
For Asisat Oshoala, the trailblazing Nigerian striker whose boots have conquered continents, the compass always points back to Lagos.
As a six-time African Women’s Player of the Year, a UEFA Women’s Champions League winner, and now a marquee star in the Saudi Women’s Premier League, Oshoala’s life is a whirlwind of global travel and relentless expectation.
Yet, when asked about her anchor, her answer is immediate and absolute.
“I return home whenever I can. My parents live in Nigeria, and spending time with family is very important to me,” Oshoala says, her voice softening with a familiar warmth.
“Whenever I have a break, I prefer to go home and be with them. Family is everything.”
That family dynamic wasn’t always seamlessly aligned with her footballing dreams.
Like many African girls of her generation, the path to the pitch was paved with resistance.
“I am grateful to God for the family I come from. We were an average family, my basic needs were always met, and my parents did their best for me,” she reflects.
“My main struggle was convincing my parents to allow me to play football. At first, they wanted me to focus solely on education.”
“I even had to hide or lie occasionally just to go and play. I was an intelligent child and initially wanted to become a lawyer. My parents emphasised education because they believed strongly in it. Eventually, after the Under-20 World Cup, they fully supported my football career. I truly appreciate them for that.
Paving the Way for the Next Generation
When Oshoala looks at the footballing landscape in Nigeria today, she sees a world entirely different from the one she navigated as a determined child dodging her parents’ academic ambitions.
“I feel happy for the younger generation and the opportunities they now have,” she notes. “Growing up, I did not have those same opportunities, and there was not much advocacy for women’s football at the time.”
“We had to play with boys, on the streets, or at school with friends. There were no proper clubs or teams specifically created for girls. Today, however, the younger players are enjoying themselves and having fun within structured systems. I truly love that for them.”
The turning point for her, and arguably for modern African women’s football, was the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. Oshoala dominated the tournament, sweeping the Golden Boot and Golden Ball awards. Yet, the fierce competitor in her still agonises over the narrow loss in the final.
“I was happy, but at the same time, I was not completely happy on the day of the final because we lost.”
“Although I won the Golden Ball and the Golden Boot, it was a mixture of emotions for me,” she admits.
“Despite the disappointment of losing the final, that tournament became a major turning point in my career. It introduced me to the world as a young player from Nigeria and opened many doors for me. It was an incredible experience and an important stepping stone that shaped my journey moving forward.”
The Lonely Road to Greatness
Those open doors led her away from the familiar embrace of Lagos. From England to China, and eventually to the historic heights of FC Barcelona in Spain, Oshoala’s ascent required immense personal sacrifice.
“Leaving home at a young age was challenging. Living alone in a different country without friends or family was not easy. Even now in Saudi Arabia, I live alone without family around me,” she shares candidly.
“At the beginning, I saw it as an opportunity. As a young girl, I always wanted independence so I could focus fully on football. It gave me the freedom to grow and enjoy my career.”
“But as time passes, loneliness can set in. You begin to miss companionship and familiar surroundings. The biggest adjustment was learning how to live independently and adapt to new cultures. Thankfully, I first moved to an English-speaking country, which made the transition easier.”
The sacrifices bore historic fruit.
When she found the back of the net in the UEFA Women’s Champions League final, she didn’t just score a goal; she shattered a glass ceiling for African women.
“Scoring in the UEFA Women’s Champions League final was another emotional moment,” Oshoala recalls.
“It was special personally, but we lost the final, which made it bittersweet. Still, having the opportunity to play on such a big stage helped me understand European football culture and grow professionally”
Her time in Catalonia transcended her on-pitch statistics.
“Playing for Barcelona FC was a huge responsibility. It is one of the biggest stages in women’s football, with many young players looking up to you. There was pressure, of course, but I also enjoyed every moment. It was an eye-opener for many African girls, showing them that reaching the highest level of women’s football is possible with hard work and a bit of luck.”
National Pride and a New Frontier
Despite her club success, pulling on the green and white of the Super Falcons remains her ultimate honour.
Her six African Women’s Player of the Year crowns are a testament to her sustained brilliance, though she remains incredibly humble about the historic milestone.
“Winning the African Women’s Player of the Year award six times is an incredible honour. Sometimes, you lose count because you are simply focused on doing your job.”
“I am grateful to everyone who supports and votes for me. The journey to six awards has been remarkable. You never know what tomorrow brings, someone else may win seven or eight. The key is to remain consistent and continue giving your best.”
That consistency has driven Nigeria’s golden era.
“Every tournament is special to me because I give my all in every competition. Whether it is WAFCON or the World Cup, I approach each game with the same passion and energy because I genuinely love football,” she says.
“The 2023 World Cup in Australia stands out the most for me. Our match against Australia was particularly special, as well as the game against England.”
“Those performances showed how much the Nigerian team is evolving and improving with every competition. At WAFCON in Morocco, we experienced intense moments, especially when we were two goals down. Fighting back together and supporting one another made the victory even sweeter.”
Today, Oshoala’s journey has taken her to the Middle East, a move that aligns with both her professional ambitions and her personal faith.
Fans tracking her latest chapter can catch her lighting up the pitch in the Saudi Women’s Premier League, broadcast live on SuperSport’s dedicated AWSN channel.
As the premier destination for the very best in women’s sports, AWSN provides viewers with unparalleled access to elite athletes like Oshoala as they redefine the global game.
“Currently, I play for Al Hilal SFC. I love exploring new environments. Throughout my career, I have played across different continents—Europe, Asia, and beyond. Football allows you to experience new cultures and meet diverse people,” she explains.
“As a Muslim, moving to this part of the world also felt meaningful to me. Al Hilal is a top club in Asia, and I was motivated by the opportunity to experience a new challenge at a high level.”
A Legacy Beyond the Pitch
While her trophy cabinet is overflowing, Asisat Oshoala’s true legacy is being built off the field, back home where her story began.
Through the Asisat Oshoala Foundation, she is ensuring that the girls of tomorrow won’t have to hide their boots or lie to their parents to chase a dream.
“My foundation and academy are very special to me; I call them my babies,” she says with immense pride.”
“The foundation focuses on supporting girls in society by providing basic needs and promoting education. Through partnerships, including support from Nike during my time at Barcelona, we have been able to fund and sustain the project for several years.”
“I aim to give these girls opportunities I did not have growing up—balancing education and sport, building confidence, and preparing for a better future. It is a project very close to my heart.”
When the boots are finally hung up and the stadium lights fade, it won’t be the goals, the golden boots, or the accolades that Oshoala holds dearest. It will be the lives she changed.
“I would love to be remembered as someone who advocated for and protected the girl child, someone who empowered young girls through football and education. That would mean everything to me.”
Catch action from the Saudi Women’s Premier League live on SuperSport’s 24-hour AWSN Channel.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
About 1,500 pupils and students from 300 schools nationwide will participate in the 2026 Ecobank National Schools’ Team Chess Championship.
The event will be held from May 7–8, 2026, at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC), Lagos, according to a statement from the financial institution, which also assured that all arrangements have been concluded to make the contest memorable.
The Ecobank National Schools’ Team Chess Championship is organised in partnership with the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF) and SchoolMate.
The 2025 edition, its third, witnessed a significant growth in participation, with over 2,500 students from 450 schools participating.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Ecobank’s Segment Head for Education, Faith and Social Services, Mr Adekunle Adewuyi, said the bank remains committed to scaling the championship as a pathway for developing Nigeria’s next generation of intellectual and strategic leaders.
According to him, the championship has evolved into a strong national platform for nurturing talent and promoting critical thinking among young Nigerians.
“This championship has become a leading national platform for identifying and nurturing emerging chess talents.
“Chess is a powerful educational tool; it sharpens critical thinking, problem-solving and discipline. Through this initiative, we are preparing young Nigerians not just for competition, but for leadership roles in the future,” Mr Adewuyi said.
He described the tournament as a rapidly growing, award-winning scholastic competition that attracts thousands of students annually and promotes intellectual development while fostering future chess grandmasters.
Also speaking, the Vice President of NCF, Mr Adeyinka Adewole Samuel, said the championship aligns with global standards set by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), which encourages countries to organise structured school-level competitions.
According to him, the tournament targets primary and secondary school students aged 7–18, as part of a deliberate strategy to build a sustainable pipeline of future grandmasters.
Mr Adeyinka disclosed that about 150 primary schools and 150 secondary schools are expected to participate this year, with each school fielding five players, bringing the total number of participants to approximately 1,500 students from about 15 states, adding that the competition will feature a N20 million prize pool.
He also revealed that enhanced measures have been introduced to improve event delivery, including strict player eligibility checks, enhanced crowd control, and the deployment of 50 trained arbiters to guarantee fairness and transparency.
Highlighting the impact of the initiative, Mr Adeyinka noted that Nigerian students who emerged from the Ecobank championship have excelled at continental competitions.
“The growth has been phenomenal. When Nigeria competes at continental tournaments, many of the standout players are alumni of the Ecobank championship. We won a gold medal last year in Uganda, and that success is strongly linked to what Ecobank has done,” he said.
On his part, the Marketing Head of SchoolMate Nigeria, Mr Ambesh Kumar, said the company partnered with the initiative to support youth development through education and sport, noting that chess helps children build discipline, focus and strategic thinking.
“We are passionate about quality education for children, and we see this tournament as a veritable means of advancing that cause. Last year, we distributed books to the children, and this year marks our first involvement as a co-sponsor.
“SchoolMate has operated in Nigeria for several years, and we see this chess championship as a meaningful way of giving back to society,” Mr Kumar stated.
League football across Europe enters a defining stretch, with title races tightening and battles for European places and survival intensifying. From England to Spain, Italy and France, key fixtures could shape the final weeks of the season. Watch it all live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv.
Premier League: Title Pressure, Derby Spotlight, Survival Fight
The title race remains finely poised, with Arsenal narrowly ahead of Man City, while the relegation battle continues to tighten.
Saturday’s fixtures see Brentford host West Ham at 3:00 p.m., with the visitors looking to build on a vital win that kept them above the drop zone. At the same time, Newcastle face Brighton, live on SS Football (GOtv Ch. 61, DStv Ch. 205), as both sides chase momentum in a congested mid-table. Arsenal then take on Fulham at 5:30 p.m., with the leaders aiming to maintain their advantage despite midweek exertions.
Sunday is headlined by the North-West Derby at 3:30 p.m. as Man United host Liverpool, with both sides looking to secure their Champions League spot. Later, Aston Villa meet Tottenham at 7:00 p.m., with Villa chasing a top-four return after their recent slip and Spurs fighting to get out of the relegation zone.
On Monday, Chelsea face Nottingham Forest at 3:00 p.m., seeking to arrest a poor league run of five straight defeats, before Man City visit Everton at 8:00 p.m., where victory is essential in the title chase.
All Premier League matches air live on SS Premier League (DStv Ch. 203, GOtv Ch. 65)
La Liga: Title Within Reach, Top-Four Race Tightens
Barcelona’s lead leaves them on the brink of another league title, but the race for Champions League places remains open below them.
On Saturday, Villarreal host Levante at 1:00 p.m. looking to secure their third position before Atletico Madrid visit Valencia at 3:15 p.m., balancing league priorities with European commitments. Barcelona travel to Osasuna at 8:00 p.m., aiming to extend their winning run.
Sunday features Real Betis against Real Oviedo at 5:30 p.m., with Betis targeting the top four, while Real Madrid face Espanyol at 8:00 p.m. looking to restore confidence. Sevilla and Real Sociedad conclude the round on Monday at 8:00 p.m.
La Liga matches air live on SS La Liga (DStv Ch. 204, GOtv Ch. 62).
Serie A: Champions League Race Intensifies
Inter remain in control at the top, but the battle for European places is tightening.
Saturday sees Como host Napoli at 5:00 p.m. in a key clash for the last Champions League spot, while Atalanta face Genoa at 7:45 p.m. needing a response from their inconsistent form.
On Sunday, AC Milan travel to Sassuolo at 2:00 p.m., Juventus meet Verona at 5:00 p.m., and Inter host Parma at 7:45 p.m. Roma round off the fixtures against Fiorentina on Monday at 7:45 p.m., with top-four implications.
Serie A matches are broadcast live on SS Africa 2 (DStv Ch. 208, GOtv Ch. 64).
Ligue 1: Podium Battle Takes Focus
PSG remain favourites for the title, but the race for Champions League places is wide open.
Marseille face Nantes at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, before PSG host Lorient at 4:00 p.m. Nice take on RC Lens at 8:05 p.m., with Lens needing a strong result to stay in contention.
On Sunday, Lille host Le Havre at 2:00 p.m. before the standout fixture sees Lyon meet Rennes at 7:45 p.m., with both sides in strong form and separated by minimal margins in the race for a top-three finish.
Watch Ligue 1 matches on SS Football (DStv Ch. 205, GOtv Ch. 61), with selected fixtures on SS Africa 1 (DStv Ch. 207, GOtv Ch. 63).
Weekend Highlights
Premier League
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Brentford vs West Ham – Sat, 3:00 PM
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Newcastle vs Brighton – Sat, 3:00 PM (SS Football)
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Arsenal vs Fulham – Sat, 5:30 PM
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Man United vs Liverpool – Sun, 3:30 PM
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Aston Villa vs Spurs – Sun, 7:00 PM
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Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest – Mon, 3:00 PM
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Everton vs Man City – Mon, 8:00 PM
La Liga
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Villarreal vs Levante – Sat, 1:00 PM
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Valencia vs Atletico Madrid – Sat, 3:15 PM
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Osasuna vs Barcelona – Sat, 8:00 PM
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Real Betis vs Real Oviedo – Sun, 5:30 PM
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Espanyol vs Real Madrid – Sun, 8:00 PM
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Sevilla vs Real Sociedad – Mon, 8:00 PM
Serie A
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Como vs Napoli – Sat, 5:00 PM
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Atalanta vs Genoa – Sat, 7:45 PM
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Sassuolo vs AC Milan – Sun, 2:00 PM
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Juventus vs Verona – Sun, 5:00 PM
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Inter vs Parma – Sun, 7:45 PM
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Roma vs Fiorentina – Mon, 7:45 PM
Ligue 1
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Nantes vs Marseille – Sat, 2:00 PM
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PSG vs Lorient – Sat, 4:00 PM
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Nice vs RC Lens – Sat, 8:05 PM
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Lille vs Le Havre – Sun, 2:00 PM
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Lyon vs Rennes – Sun, 7:45 PM
Catch Every Moment
As part of the Canal+ family, SuperSport remains committed to delivering world-class football coverage year-round from Europe’s biggest leagues to global showpieces such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Catch all the action live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv, with matches also available via DStv Stream and GOtv Stream. Manage or upgrade your subscription via the MyDStv or MyGOtv apps, visit www.dstv.com or www.gotvafrica.com, or dial *288# to stay connected.
Europe’s biggest club competitions reach the semi-final stage this week across the UEFA Champions League, Europa League and Conference League. First-leg ties bring heavyweight clashes, historic rivalries and breakthrough stories as the race for silverware intensifies. Fans can watch every key moment live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv.
Champions League: Giants One Step from the Final
The UEFA Champions League semi-finals begin with two major first-leg encounters, both live on SS Football Plus HD (DStv Ch. 202).
On Tuesday at 8:00 PM, Paris Saint-Germain host Bayern Munich in a contest many view as a final-worthy match-up. PSG arrive as defending champions and Ligue 1 leaders, but Bayern already defeated them earlier in the season during the group phase. The German side will be without suspended coach Vincent Kompany on the touchline.
On Wednesday at 8:00 PM, Arsenal welcome Atletico Madrid to the Emirates. Arsenal were convincing winners when the sides last met earlier this season, but Atletico’s knockout pedigree under Diego Simeone ensures another stern challenge.
Europa League: History Meets Opportunity
The UEFA Europa League semi-finals take place on Thursday. Nottingham Forest face Aston Villa in a rare all-English Midlands clash, live on SS Football (GOtv Ch. 61, DStv Ch. 205). Two former European champions meet with a place in the final within touching distance. Forest come in full of momentum, while Villa will look to the experience of Unai Emery on the continental stage.
Also at 8:00 PM, Braga host Freiburg live on SS La Liga (GOtv Ch. 62, DStv Ch. 204). Braga have impressed with their attacking quality throughout the competition, while Freiburg continue a landmark run to their first European semi-final.
Conference League: Palace Dream Continues
The UEFA Conference League also resumes live on Thursday. Crystal Palace face Shakhtar Donetsk on neutral ground in Krakow, live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203). Palace have captured attention with an impressive run to the last four, but Shakhtar’s European experience makes them dangerous opponents.
Rayo Vallecano host Strasbourg in the other semi-final, live on SS Africa 2 (GOtv Ch. 64, DStv Ch. 208). Rayo continue a remarkable underdog journey, while Strasbourg arrive with growing confidence under new management.
Semi-Final Fixtures – First Legs
UEFA Champions League
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Paris Saint-Germain vs Bayern Munich – Tue, 8:00 PM (SS Football Plus HD)
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Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid – Wed, 8:00 PM (SS Football Plus HD)
UEFA Europa League
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Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa – Thu, 8:00 PM (SS Football)
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Braga vs Freiburg – Thu, 8:00 PM (SS La Liga)
UEFA Conference League
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Shakhtar Donetsk vs Crystal Palace – Thu, 8:00 PM (SS Premier League)
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Rayo Vallecano vs Strasbourg – Thu, 8:00 PM (SS Africa 2)
Catch all the Action
Catch all the UEFA Champions League, Europa League and Conference League semi-final action live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv. Matches are also available via DStv Stream and GOtv Stream. Manage or upgrade your subscription via the MyDStv or MyGOtv apps, visit www.dstv.com or www.gotvafrica.com, or dial *288# to stay connected.
As part of the Canal+ family, SuperSport remains committed to bringing fans the best in world football, from Europe’s biggest nights to global tournaments such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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