Super Falcons star forward, Asisat Oshoala, has paid a heartfelt tribute to three influential former Nigerian women’s footballers — Perpetua Nkwocha, Precious Dede, and Rita Chikwelu — recognizing the critical roles they played in shaping her football journey and inspiring the next generation of female players in Nigeria.
Oshoala, who recently helped guide the Super Falcons to another historic WAFCON triumph in Morocco, made the comments during a live interview on Arise News, where she reflected on the team’s success and the key figures who paved the way for her own rise in the sport.
“Right now, if you Google players with the most goals, you’ll find names like Perpetua Nkwocha,” Oshoala said, acknowledging the legendary striker whose goal-scoring feats brought global attention to Nigerian women’s football.
She continued, “They paved the way for someone like me to come into the Super Falcons and enjoy certain things. We’re standing on the foundation that they built through years of hard work, consistency, and excellence.”
Oshoala didn’t stop there. She also expressed admiration for former Super Falcons goalkeeper Precious Dede, whose leadership and performances between the posts set high standards during her career. “You have the goalkeeper Precious Dede, Rita Chikwelu, so many Super Falcons players. I was fortunate to play with some of them before they retired,” she added.
Now 30 years old, Oshoala has established herself as one of the most successful and respected female footballers in Africa. Currently playing for Bay FC in the United States, she has previously represented elite clubs including Liverpool, Arsenal, and Barcelona, where she won numerous league titles and UEFA Women’s Champions League trophies.
Her individual accolades are equally impressive. A six-time CAF Women’s Player of the Year, Oshoala is considered a trailblazer and inspiration for young female athletes not only in Nigeria but across the African continent.
Her tribute serves as a reminder of the generational link within the Super Falcons, where each new wave of talent builds upon the legacy left by the women before them. It also highlights Oshoala’s humility and appreciation for the contributions of her predecessors who helped elevate Nigerian women’s football to international prominence.