Aisha AdejumoFor far too long, women’s football has been on the sidelines. But in Africa, a new generation of female footballers is changing the game, inspiring millions, and proving that skill and talent know no gender.
These phenomenal athletes are not just entertaining crowds; they are redefining what it means to be a powerful woman.
Let’s celebrate the top 5 African female footballers who are leading the charge:
1. Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria)
A powerhouse forward with a record-breaking six African Women’s Footballer of the Year awards, Oshoala is a force to be reckoned with. Her success on the international stage and with top clubs like Barcelona inspires young girls to chase their dreams. She currently plays as a striker for NWSL club Bay FC
Asisat Oshoala was born in Nigeria in 1994 and grew up playing football with her brothers. She started playing professionally at the age of 16, and soon caught the attention of scouts from around the world.
Her talent was evident from a young age, playing on local pitches with boys due to the lack of girls’ teams. This early exposure to a competitive environment honed her skills and instilled a relentless work ethic.
Her professional career began in Nigeria, where she dominated the domestic league. But Oshoala craved a bigger challenge. In 2014, she moved to Europe, signing with Rivers Angels in Sweden. Her goalscoring prowess continued, catching the attention of FC Barcelona Femenรญ, the most prestigious club team in women’s football.
In 2019, Oshoala made history by becoming the first African woman to play for Barcelona. The pressure was immense, but she thrived under the spotlight. Her pace, power, and finishing ability were a nightmare for defenders. She helped Barcelona win the treble โ the league title, cup, and Champions League โ solidifying her place among the world’s elite.
Here are some of Asisat Oshoala’s most memorable moments:
– Scoring the winning goal in the 2014 African Women’s Championship final
– Being named the best player at the 2014 African Women’s Championship
– Scoring a hat-trick in the 2016 African Women’s Cup of Nations semi-final
– Winning the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award in 2019
Those are just a few of her many accomplishments.
Oshoala’s achievements extend far beyond the pitch. She’s a vocal advocate for women’s football in Africa, using her platform to inspire young girls and challenge societal norms. She’s launched the Asisat Oshoala Foundation, which provides educational and sporting opportunities for girls in her hometown.
Asisat Oshoala is more than just a footballer; she’s a role model, a leader, and a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes across Africa. Her journey is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and the unwavering belief in oneself.
2. Thembi Kgatlana (South Africa)
Christina Thembi “Pikinini” Kgatlana (born 2 May 1996) is a South African professional soccer player who plays as a forward for Liga MX Femenil club Tigres UANL Femenil and the South Africa women’s national team.
The nickname “White Lightning” perfectly encapsulates Thembi Kgatlana’s playing style. This electrifying South African winger is known for her blistering pace, dazzling footwork, and an eye for goal. Born in Tembisa, a township near Johannesburg, Kgatlana’s footballing talent blossomed while playing for her local school team.
Image credit: Google
Her professional career began in South Africa, where she quickly established herself as a star player. Her performances caught the eye of international scouts, and in 2010, she made her debut for the South African national team, Banyana Banyana.
Kgatlana’s impact on the national team has been transformative. Her speed terrorizes defenses, creating scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates. She’s been instrumental in Banyana Banyana’s rise as a force to be reckoned with in African women’s football.
Image credit: Google
Beyond her on-field exploits, Kgatlana is a vocal advocate for social justice and gender equality. She uses her social media platform to raise awareness about important issues and inspire young girls to chase their dreams.ย ย
Thembi Kgatlana’s story is one of perseverance and determination. She’s overcome challenges and defied stereotypes to become one of Africa’s most exciting footballers. Her electrifying performances and unwavering spirit make her a true role model for aspiring athletes everywhere.
3. Ajara Njout (Cameroon)
Ajara Nchout is a Cameroonian footballer who currently plays for Inter Milan and the Cameroon national team. She’s known for her pace, dribbling skills, and ability to score goals. In addition to her success on the pitch, she’s also dedicated to using her platform to give back to her community.
Ajara Nchout was born in Cameroon in 1992. She grew up in a poor neighborhood and began playing football with the boys in her community. Her talent was soon recognized, and she began playing for local teams. She eventually joined the national team and helped lead them to victory in the African Women’s Championship in 2016. Since then, she’s continued to excel at the international level. But her achievements aren’t just limited to the pitch.
In addition to her football career, Ajara Nchout has also become a role model and an advocate for social causes. She’s used her platform to speak out against gender inequality, and she’s worked to improve the lives of young girls in her community. She’s also worked with the United Nations to promote education for girls. She’s truly making a difference both on and off the field.
In 2019, she was named the African Women’s Footballer of the Year, which is a prestigious award given to the best female player in Africa. She’s also been named to the CAF Women’s Team of the Year three times. And, in 2021, she was nominated for the Ballon d’Or, which is one of the most prestigious awards in football. She’s truly one of the top players in the world.
Ajara Nchout is a talented and inspiring athlete. She’s not only achieved great success on the pitch, but she’s also used her platform to promote social causes and help others. She’s a role model for young girls and boys everywhere, and she’s making a real difference in her community.
4. Tabitha Chawinga
Tabitha Chawinga was born in Malawi in 1994. She grew up in a village where there were few opportunities for girls, but she was determined to make a difference. She began playing football as a young girl, and her talent soon attracted attention. In 2010, she joined a local team, and she quickly rose through the ranks. In 2015, she was named the Malawian Footballer of the Year, and her career really took off from there.
After Tabitha Chawinga’s success in Malawi, she decided to take her career to the next level. In 2016, she joined the Chinese team Jiangsu Suning, and she immediately made an impact. She was named the league’s top scorer in her first season, and she helped Jiangsu Suning win the league title. She also made her debut for the Malawi national team, and she quickly established herself as one of the team’s most important players.
In 2018, Tabitha Chawinga had another great season with Jiangsu Suning, and she was named the Chinese Women’s Super League Player of the Year. She also helped the team win the Chinese Women’s Super Cup, and she was named the MVP of the tournament. In 2019, she continued her success, and she was named the African Women’s Footballer of the Year for the second time. She also led Jiangsu Suning to another league title, cementing her place as one of the best players in the world.
Overall, she’s had a remarkable journey, and she’s achieved so much in a short period of time. She’s won multiple individual and team awards, and she’s made a big impact on the sport of football. She’s also inspired many young girls in Malawi and around the world to pursue their dreams. She’s a true role model and an incredible athlete
5. Rasheedat Ajibade
Rasheedat Ajibade was born in Nigeria in 1999, and she started playing football at a young age. She joined a local team when she was just 12 years old, and she quickly made a name for herself as a talented player. She went on to play for the Nigerian national team, and she helped them win the African Women’s Cup of Nations in 2018.
She’s not only a talented footballer, but she’s also an advocate for gender equality and girls’ education. She’s spoken out about the importance of equal opportunities for women and girls, and she’s worked with organizations like UNICEF to promote education and gender equality. She’s also a role model for young girls in Nigeria and around the world.
Rasheedat Ajibade is not only a talented athlete and advocate, but she’s also an inspiring person. She’s overcome many challenges in her life, including poverty and gender discrimination. But she’s never let these challenges stop her from pursuing her dreams. She’s a strong, resilient person who has worked hard to achieve her goals. She’s an excellent example of what’s possible when you never give up.
