Barcelona Femenà and Super Falcons forward Asisat Oshoala has been recognized by the Women’s International Champions Cup (WICC) for her role in advancing women’s football.
Oshoala is one of only two active professional football players named to the third annual WICC Best XI. The other player nominated is Colombian teenage star, Linda Caicedo.
The 2022 WICC Best XI which was announced on Monday, is composed of the athletes, executives, journalists, coaches, owners, and activists who are doing the most to advance women’s football.
Susie Fiore, the head of the WICC, acknowledged Oshoala’s and the other awardees’ contributions by saying:
“Now in its third year, the WICC Best XI continues to cement itself as one of the most coveted awards in women’s soccer.
“The winners work tirelessly to champion the women’s game, often in spite of great obstacles.
“Without the contributions of the 2022 honorees, the women’s game would not have the explosive growth that we’re seeing today. It is an honor to share and celebrate their extraordinary efforts with fans all over the world.”
In June of this year, Oshoala established the Asisat Oshoala Academy in Lagos, Nigeria. According to her, the football conservatoire established in collaboration with Nike and Women Win is intended to provide young girls in her community with access to sport and education.
Also this year, Oshoala became the first African woman to be nominated for the Ballon d’or. She finished 16th in the voting.
