Medical complete: Al Hilal set to sign Nigerian striker once on Arsenal, Barcelona payrolls

• The Nigeria international is widely regarded as the most successful female footballer to have come out of the African continent 

Asisat Oshoala is on the brink of another major career move, with the Nigerian striker set to join Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal from Bay FC, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Super Falcons forward completed her medical in Riyadh on Monday, with both clubs agreeing a fee ahead of the Saudi Women’s Premier League transfer deadline, according to The Athletic.

The deal will make Oshoala one of the most high-profile African players in the rapidly expanding women’s game in Saudi Arabia.

The 30-year-old leaves Bay FC just over a year after joining the new NWSL franchise. She made 38 appearances for the American side, scoring eight goals, but featured less regularly this season as Bay struggled near the foot of the table.

Oshoala’s move adds her name to a growing list of Nigerians in Saudi women’s football. Ashleigh Plumptre and Francisca Ordega play for Al-Ittihad, Chinonyerem Macleans for Al-Shabab, and Rita Chikwelu at Al-Riyadh.

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It is another chapter in a career that has spanned four continents.

Before her stint in the United States, Oshoala became a star at Barcelona, scoring 107 goals in 149 matches, winning five consecutive league titles and two Champions League crowns.

She also enjoyed spells in England with Arsenal and Liverpool, and in China with Dalian Quanjian.

At international level, Oshoala has won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations four times, including the 2024 edition. Her individual honours include a record six African Women’s Footballer of the Year awards.

Once the transfer is completed, Oshoala will join an Al Hilal side that finished sixth in the women’s top flight division last season.

The Riyadh club expect Oshoala’s experience and goals to lift them into contention for silverware as the Saudi league continues to attract global attention.