The celebration of Asisat Oshoala after scoring Nigeria’s third goal against Australia at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup has continued to elicit massive controversy.
Oshoala came off the bench to score against Australia and she also broke a record by becoming the first African player to score in three Women’s World Cups.
It appears like the record-breaking moment got to her as she celebrated in what some have termed a “wild celebration”.
Asisat Oshoala pulled off her jersey while celebrating the goal and the “iconic” celebration has garnered lots of reactions across the world.
The Nigeria International, who has been nominated for the 2023 Socrates Award has taken to Instagram to share her father’s disposition concerning her celebration.
Asisat Oshoala wrote: “My dad is definitely not happy with my choice of celebration but then again, Life is a collection of MOMENTS.”
The Nigeria International celebration in Nigeria’s second group stage game against co-host Australia has attracted different reactions with some of the opinion that her celebration was inappropriate.
Reactions on Asisat Oshoala’s Shirt-off celebration
A Twitter user, whose handle is @numberonetweep wrote: “Removing your jersey and exposing your body just because you scored a goal doesn’t make sense at all as a woman.
“Asisat Oshoala really need to fix up🤦♂️”
A Twitter user with the name Olumide Oluyisola also shared a seemingly harsh reaction saying “Oshoala just got an absolutely useless yellow card, which may become a problem for the team if they go far in the tournament.”
Webkid Afrika also tweeted: “Women in the football space, especially players, should be shown the red card for removing their jersey as a form of celebration. Asisat Oshoala should be used as a scapegoat !!!!!”
Some Individuals have also come to her defense saying the picture of her celebration gives them joy.
Officialsuo took to twitter to write: “Guuuyyyyyy!!!!! Asisat Oshoala is a whole mooooodddd and a half!!!! These pics just dey give me joy….
“The highlight of my day, that’s for sure. Agba baller!!!! @AsisatOshoala 👑 ⚽️ Now I don dey find where I wan para pull shirt nii! 🌚😂.”
@ckjawani also shared his love for the footballer following her celebration, the individual wrote: “You got to love Asisat Oshoala!! You just have to! Did you see her celebration when she scored!! Agba baller my love”
Asisat Oshoala is a Muslim and her celebration has been perceived as one not in tandem with the religion.
Her parents weren’t supportive of her decision to become a footballer
The 28-year-old was born in the Ikorodu local government area of Lagos State, Nigeria and following her passion to become a footballer was also something that her parents were initially not in support of.
However, she continued to soldier on in pursuing her footballing career, a decision that paid off at the end of the day.
Asisat Oshoala has won several trophies in her career including; UEFA Women’s Champions League title, 4 Primera División and 3 African Women’s Championship.
The Barcelona Femeni forward is also one of the most decorated African footballers ever, with a record 5 African Women’s Footballer of the Year award and one BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year amongst many other honors.
Nigeria defeated Australia courtesy of goals from Uchenna Kanu, Osinachi Ohale and Asisat Oshoala.
Emily van Egmond initially opened scoring for Australia but few minutes later, the Super Falcons brought the game to parity.
Alanna Kennedy scored the consolation goal for the co-host nation in the 10th minute of additional time in the encounter, before the referee called for the end of the thrilling clash.
