Asisat Oshoala helps Bay FC qualify for NWSL playoffs

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria forward Asisat Oshoala starred as Bay FC sealed a place in the season-ending Playoffs of the 2024 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).

The Califonia-based expansion team Bay FC edged Houston Dash 3-2 to pick one of eight NWSL Playoff spots on Saturday night.

A brace from Rachael Kundananji and Paige Kathleen Nielsen’s own goal ensured an away win for Bay FC.

Barbara Olivieri and Avery Patterson scored for Houston Dash but the goals were not enough to prevent a loss.

Oshoala was replaced by Penelope Hocking in the 46th minute. The 30-year-old scored seven goals with an assist in 25 NWSL games to finish the regular season as her team’s top goal scorer.

It is Oshoala’s debut season in the NWSL since switching from Spanish and European champions Barcelona to the United States topflight.

Her team finished seventh on the log with 34 points after 26 games and will jostle for the league title at the Playoffs.

They will begin their championship quest against Washington Spirit on November 10, 2024.

Oluwaseun Oyediji

Oluwaseun Babatunde Oyediji is a multi-media sports journalist with over 10 years experience in Information Communication Technology (ICT), women's football, and beach soccer reportage.The prolific writer is the Media Assistant to Nigeria Beach Soccer League and Africa Beach Soccer Union as well as contributor on Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) website.He has covered multiple national and international football tournaments including Championship of African Nations (CHAN 2020), CAF Women's Champions League (2023), and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023).Since 2021, Oyediji has covered the NWFL Premiership especially the season ending Super Six Playoffs.A member of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ogun state chapter is also the image maker of the Remo Sports Development Council under the leadership of Chief Falilat Ogunkoya and David Osuolale.

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