Nigerian star Asisat Oshoala signs two-year deal with Al Hilal

Nigeria’s Super Falcons and Bay FC striker Asisat Oshoala has completed a move to Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal in the Women’s Premier League, signing a two-year contract after finalising her medical in Riyadh on Monday.

Al Hilal made the official announcement of Oshoala’s arrival on its official Instagram page on Tuesday with the message: “Welcome Asisat Oshoala.”

The 30-year-old was notably absent from Bay FC’s squad for their NWSL clash with Angel City and was officially listed as excused from duty, paving the way for the transfer.

Oshoala’s switch brings an end to a brief but eventful stint in the United States, she joined NWSL expansion side Bay FC last season, from Barcelona making 25 appearances (23 starts), scoring seven goals and providing an assist.

However, this season her involvement was limited, with only five starts in 12 games and no goal contributions, as she struggled to adapt to the league’s high pressing and defensive demands.

Despite her reduced role, Oshoala remains one of the most decorated players in African football; a six-time African Women’s Player of the Year and two-time Ballon d’Or nominee, she boasts a glittering CV that includes a record-breaking spell at Barcelona.

Across five seasons in Spain, she netted 107 goals in 149 matches, helping Barça to five Liga F titles and two UEFA Women’s Champions League trophies.

Her career has also featured spells with Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chinese side Dalian Quanjian, after beginning her professional journey in Nigeria with Robo Queens and Rivers Angels.

Internationally, Oshoala has been central to Nigeria’s dominance in women’s football, she played a reduced role in the Super Falcons’ record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title win earlier this year but remains a key figure for the national team.

The Lagos-born striker now joins fellow Super Falcons stars Ashleigh Plumptre and Francisca Ordega in Saudi Arabia, where the women’s league is rapidly growing in profile and investment.

Al Hilal finished sixth in the 2024/25 season, with the competition recently expanding from eight to 10 teams.

Oshoala’s arrival represents a significant statement of intent by the Riyadh-based club, who will look to her vast experience and proven goalscoring pedigree to push them higher up the league table in the coming campaign.