Women’s football in Nigeria has produced some of Africa’s most respected players. From the early success of the Super Falcons to the modern generation competing at major clubs around the world, Nigerian women have played an important role in the growth of the game.
Choosing the best female football player in Nigeria is not completely straightforward because the country has produced several outstanding players across different generations. Perpetua Nkwocha, Mercy Akide, Cynthia Uwak, Rasheedat Ajibade and Chiamaka Nnadozie have all made their mark.
However, when individual awards, club success, international achievements and longevity are considered, Asisat Oshoala has the strongest case for being regarded as the best female football player in Nigerian history.
Who Is The Best Female Football Player In Nigeria?
Asisat Oshoala is widely regarded as one of the greatest African women’s footballers of her generation.
Born in Ikorodu, Lagos, Oshoala developed into a prolific striker and went on to play for clubs including Liverpool, Arsenal, Dalian Quanjian and FC Barcelona. She later moved to the National Women’s Soccer League, joining Bay FC in 2024.
Her career stands out because she has achieved success both with the Nigerian national team and at some of the biggest clubs in women’s football.
Why Is Asisat Oshoala Considered The Best?
One of the strongest arguments for Oshoala comes from her record at the CAF Awards.
She has won the CAF African Women’s Player of the Year award six times, in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022 and 2023. That is a record for the award.
Her 2014 campaign was particularly important. Oshoala won both the African Women’s Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards after an outstanding year with Nigeria. She also won the Golden Boot and Golden Ball at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after scoring seven goals.
Her club career has been equally significant.
At Barcelona, Oshoala won major domestic honours and the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Barcelona’s official player records credit her with 117 goals in 162 official appearances for the first team, alongside five league titles, four Spanish Cups, four Spanish Super Cups and three Champions League titles.
She also made history by becoming the first African woman to score in a UEFA Women’s Champions League final, doing so for Barcelona in 2021.
Oshoala’s Impact With The Super Falcons
Oshoala’s achievements are not limited to club football.
She has been an important part of the Nigerian national team across several generations. Her performances have helped maintain Nigeria’s status as the most successful nation in Women’s Africa Cup of Nations history.
Nigeria had won the competition 10 times heading into the 2026 tournament, including the 2024 edition.
Oshoala also continued to contribute at the 2026 WAFCON. She scored Nigeria’s opening goal from the penalty spot in the 6-2 group-stage victory over Egypt and scored the winning goal in the 1-0 victory over Zambia.
CAF also highlighted her remarkable consistency at the tournament. She scored four goals in 2014, six in 2016, three in 2018, one in 2024 and two during the 2026 edition.
Other Great Nigerian Female Footballers
Oshoala’s achievements should not overshadow the other players who have contributed to Nigerian women’s football.
Perpetua Nkwocha is one of the most decorated players from an earlier generation. She won the African Women’s Player of the Year award four times and played a major role in Nigeria’s success at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Rasheedat Ajibade represents the current generation. The versatile forward and midfielder was named Player of the Tournament at the 2024 WAFCON and captained Nigeria at the 2026 tournament.
Chiamaka Nnadozie has also established herself among Nigeria’s leading players. The goalkeeper won the CAF African Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award in both 2024 and 2025.
These players show why identifying one player as Nigeria’s best can lead to different answers depending on the period and criteria being considered.
What Makes Oshoala Stand Out?
The biggest difference is the combination of individual awards, club success, international achievements and longevity.
Oshoala has won the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award more times than any other player. She has also won major trophies in Europe and continued playing at international level for Nigeria well into the 2020s.
Her career also crosses several important periods in women’s football. She emerged as a teenage star, became one of Africa’s leading forwards, established herself at Barcelona and continued competing at the highest level with Nigeria.
Conclusion
Asisat Oshoala has built one of the most decorated careers in Nigerian women’s football. Her record six CAF African Women’s Player of the Year awards, success with Barcelona, performances for the Super Falcons and longevity give her a strong claim to the title of Nigeria’s best female football player.
Rasheedat Ajibade, Chiamaka Nnadozie and the legends who came before Oshoala have also made important contributions. But when the full body of achievements is considered, Oshoala’s career remains one of the clearest examples of Nigerian excellence in women’s football.
