Mueez Ajao
The Barcelona star opened up on her route to being a UEFA Women’s Champions League winner and how attitudes in women’s football have changed.
– Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala has opened up on her route to the top of the game and how her love for football would often get her into trouble at home.
– The Barcelona star became the first African player to win the UEFA Women’s Champions League in May, as the Spanish champions beat Chelsea 4-0 in last season’s final.
Also Read: Oshoala brace, as Barca thump Valencia
– While on that journey to the highest point, her parents have certainly changed their previously sceptical ways and the striker has also noticed massive changes in general in how women’s football is viewed – with even bigger changes to come.
– Speaking to CNN, Oshoala said: “As an African girl child, they say things like, ‘Oh, you’re a girl. You’re not supposed to be playing football. You’re supposed to be at home, helping your mother’. They see soccer or football as a male dominated game.
– “Each time I [would] go to play football or something, I’m always in trouble. Sometimes, I don’t get to sleep at home. I had to go to my grandmother’s place to sleep at night. Some days my [mother] wouldn’t even give me money for food. Back then, it wasn’t the same. It was different, entirely different orientation.
– “I made my parents believe that, okay, if they make young kids go after their dreams, there’s always something positive to come out of it. Today, I think they realise that. They’re now the ones who call me. They know my game even before I tell them!”
– Oshoala and Barca begin their title defence against the Gunners on Tuesday and the Nigeria international is excited about more success, after the club’s incredible treble-winning campaign last term.“The spirit of always wanting more, the spirit of not giving up, is one thing that pushes me a lot,” she added.
– “This thing is about hard work and believing in your own team and also trusting your teammates and knowing that you have the same goal. When you have the same goal, then it’s easy to achieve big things.”
