Asisat Oshoala, the prolific Nigerian forward, has embarked on a new chapter in her distinguished football career, leaving the American National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side Bay FC to join Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal. The two-year deal marks a significant move for the 30-year-old striker, who only joined Bay FC in February 2024 after a highly successful period with Spanish giants FC Barcelona Femeni. Oshoala’s departure from Bay FC comes after a season where she struggled to fully integrate into the team’s playing style, leading to reduced playing time.
Oshoala’s time at Bay FC, while relatively short, saw her make a notable impact. She appeared in 38 games across all competitions, starting 23 of her 25 NWSL appearances last season, and scoring a total of eight goals while providing one assist. However, her involvement with the team dwindled in the current season, with head coach Albertin Montoya attributing her limited minutes to the challenges she faced adapting to the NWSL’s demanding style of play, which places a strong emphasis on defensive contributions from all players, including forwards.
Montoya highlighted the need for Oshoala to improve her defensive game and regain her confidence in front of goal to become a more effective player in the NWSL. While her scoring record was respectable, it appeared that she wasn’t fully meeting the tactical requirements of the team. This difficulty in adapting, combined with the allure of a fresh start and potentially a more prominent role, likely contributed to Oshoala’s decision to move to Al Hilal.
The transfer to Al Hilal represents a significant opportunity for Oshoala to reignite her career and rediscover the form that has seen her crowned African Women’s Player of the Year a record six times. The move to the Saudi Women’s League offers a new challenge and environment where she can potentially become a focal point of the team’s attack. The Gulf state’s burgeoning women’s football scene presents an exciting prospect for Oshoala, who has consistently sought to elevate her game by competing at the highest levels across different continents.
Oshoala’s career trajectory has been marked by her willingness to embrace new challenges and explore different footballing landscapes. From her early days in Nigeria to stints in England, China, Spain, and the United States, she has consistently demonstrated a desire to test her abilities against the world’s best. Her move to Al Hilal follows this pattern, showcasing her adventurous spirit and ambition to continue making her mark on the global stage. This latest chapter in her career will undoubtedly be closely followed by fans and pundits alike, eager to see how she adapts to the Saudi league and contributes to the growth of women’s football in the region.
Asisat Oshoala’s journey to Al Hilal underscores her stature as a prominent figure in women’s football. Having played for top clubs in Europe, Asia, and North America, she brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. Her participation in the Super Falcons’ triumphant campaign at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, where the team secured a record-extending 10th title, further solidified her status as one of the continent’s leading players. Her move to Al Hilal is not just a personal milestone but also a significant development for the Saudi Women’s League, as it attracts a player of Oshoala’s caliber and global recognition. This transfer holds the potential to further elevate the profile of women’s football in Saudi Arabia and inspire a new generation of players in the region.
