English Premier League
Oshoala credits Nkwocha, Dede, Chikwelu for smoothing her path in Super Falcons
By Wale Mustapha
Reigning African Women’s Footballer of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, has acknowledged the key roles played by three former Super Falcons stars—Perpetua Nkwocha, Precious Dede, and Rita Chikwelu—in helping her settle into the national team during the early stages of her international career.
Oshoala, now 30, made her Super Falcons debut as a teenager, quickly rising through the ranks due to her exceptional talent and work ethic.
Speaking in a recent interview with Arise News, the Bay FC striker credited the trio for offering mentorship and support that shaped her journey.
“Right now, if you Google players to see who has the most goals in the clubs, you have the likes of Perpetua Nkwocha,” Oshoala said.
“Those are the people that actually paved the way for someone like me to be able to come into the Super Falcons and enjoy certain things.
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.”
Oshoala was a key figure in Nigeria’s triumphant 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign in Morocco, where the Super Falcons secured a record-extending 10th title.
Currently playing for Bay FC in the United States’ National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), Oshoala has previously represented top clubs in Europe, including Liverpool, Arsenal, and Barcelona. She holds a record six CAF Women’s Player of the Year titles.
