Reports suggest Bay FC star Asisat Oshoala has announced her retirement on the eve of Nigeria's crucial clash with South Africa in the semifinal of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The former Barcelona star, who made her Super Falcons debut twelve years ago in 2013, was reported to have posted that she will call it quit with the national team at the end of the WAFCON.
However, claims suggesting that Asisat Oshoala will retire from international football at the conclusion of the continental competition in Morocco can now be debunked.
Contrary to earlier reports, the Nigerian football icon has made no public statement regarding her retirement, and no such message exists on any of her verified social media accounts.
The false reports began circulating barely 48 hours before Nigeria’s Super Falcons are due to face defending champions South Africa in the semifinal of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), a high-stakes encounter that has generated significant anticipation across the continent.
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Oshoala, who recently moved to American club Bay FC after a successful spell at Barcelona Femeni, is yet to publicly address the rumours.
Screenshots of a supposed Facebook post from the six-time CAF African Women’s Player of the Year began spreading on Monday morning, allegedly quoting her as saying:
“At 30, with six African Women’s Best Player awards, I will bow out to start a new chapter after WAFCON 2024/25.
“Thank you for your unwavering support. I’m forever grateful for the love and sacrifices shared with me through this journey.”
However, extensive checks on her verified Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram profiles have found no trace of such a statement.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has also not issued any official confirmation or denial, and Super Falcons coach Justin Madugu has remained silent on the matter.
For now, it appears the story may have stemmed from misinformation, a hacked account, or complete fabrication — but what’s clear is that Oshoala remains very much a part of the Super Falcons' WAFCON campaign.
Although she hasn't been at her electric best in the tournament, scoring just once so far, Oshoala’s presence in the squad is irreplaceable.
Her lone goal came in the opening group match against Tunisia, where she set the tone with a clinical finish just four minutes in.
In recent games, Oshoala has been rotated out of the starting XI, including during Nigeria’s emphatic 5–0 win over Zambia in the quarterfinals. Yet her leadership and experience have proven invaluable in the dressing room, as Nigeria chase a record-extending 10th WAFCON title.
Despite South Africa’s impressive record, undefeated in regulation time since 2018 and winners over Nigeria in the 2022 group stage, the Super Falcons will bank on their pedigree and star power, including Oshoala, to get the job done on Tuesday.
Should Oshoala eventually confirm her retirement after the tournament, it would indeed mark the end of a golden era.
With five WAFCON titles, multiple World Cup and Olympic appearances, over 30 international goals, and a legacy unmatched in African women’s football, she has etched her name in history.
Until there’s official word from Oshoala or the NFF, fans are advised to treat the retirement rumours with caution. For now, all eyes are on South Africa — and Nigeria’s most iconic forward could still have a major say.
