Barcelona striker Asisat Oshoala has been named the CAF Women’s Player of the Year for a record sixth time, following her impressive performance for the Spanish giants in the 2022-23 season.
The 29-year-old Nigerian icon beat South African Thembi Kgatlana and Zambia’s Barbara Banda to retain her crown at the awards gala held in Marrakech, Morocco on Monday.
Oshoala was instrumental in Barcelona’s successful campaign, scoring 27 goals across all competitions and helping the team secure a domestic double. Her goals also played a vital role in Barcelona’s Champions League triumph, as they defeated Lyon in the final to lift the trophy.
The striker became the first female player to receive the award for highest goalscorer in the Spanish top flight, after notching 20 league goals. This achievement cements her place as one of the greatest African footballers of all time.
Oshoala’s dominance on the continent extends beyond her club performances. She has been a key figure in Nigeria’s women’s national team, scoring crucial goals in their quest to qualify for the 2023 World Cup. Her tally of 20 goals in the qualifiers is a testament to her clinical finishing and attacking prowess.
The veteran striker’s sixth CAF Women’s Player of the Year award sees her move clear of fellow Nigerian Perpetua Nkwocha, who held the previous record with five wins.