“I could have been a lawyer”- Record-breaking Nigerian Barcelona ace opens up on early struggles

The Super Falcons star had to surmount difficulties earlier in her career, but the struggles have paid off

Super Falcons striker Asisat Oshoala has revealed that she faced a lot of challenges with her family before she started playing professionally.

The last 14 years have probably been the best years for the Ikorodu-born Oshoala. 14 years of breaking boundaries, breaking records and setting new ones, and most importantly becoming an inspiration to youngsters who love football.

Oshoala's story began at Lagos-based Nigerian Women Football League Robo Queens. But her exploits at the 2014 Under-20 World Cup where she won the Golden Boot award served as the springboard to an illustrious career.

After spells in Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chinese club Dalian Quanjian, the 27-year-old earned a move to Spanish giants Barcelona in 2019.

As they say, the rest is history. Oshoala became the first African to win the Champions League. Last season, she also won the pichichi race in the Laliga femini with 20 goals.

This year, Oshoala also became the first player to win five CAF Player of the Year awards.

However, the Super Falcons star admits that it was never easy for her at the start.

“Growing up, I never had the intention to play football,” Oshoala said in her FIFA documentary.

“I wanted to be a lawyer. But I changed my mind because I saw I was good at playing football.

“In Africa, the girl child is expected to be at home to cook, to do the crazy house chores at home while the male child can go anywhere he wants.

“My parents did not want me to play football. I was always punished every time I got back home dirty, especially my dad because he wanted me to focus on school work.

“Sometimes, they would refuse to give me food as punishment whenever I went to play football. And I would have to run to my Grandma's place so they wouldn't beat me.

“However, it all changed when the opportunity to play for FC Robo came.”

Now, Oshoala is easily the postal girl for Nigerian and African football. She is an inspiration to young girls who want to play the round leather game.

Even at 27, calling the Barcelona ace a legend is not out of place. Of course, she would look to continue with her brilliance for the Super Falcons at the World Cup next year.