Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu has sent her enormous support to Nigeria and Barcelona striker Asisat Oshoala after the 29-year-old was nominated for the 2023 Ballon D’or Socrates award. The Ikorodu-born and former Rivers Angel’s forward will battle Manchester United, Marcus Rashford, San Diego Wave FC, Alex Morgan, and Los Blancos duo, Antonio Rüdiger, and Vinícius Jr. 

Asisat was pivotal in Barcelona’s Champions triumph last season, the forward scored 21 goals and made 3 assists in her 28 appearances for Barcelona Femini last season. 

According to a statement from the Office of the First Lady on Tuesday:

“Her Excellency prays that this year, once again, Asisat Oshoala will bring immense glory to our beloved nation, Nigeria, by clinching the coveted Ballon d’Or Award for this year as the anticipation builds as the winner will be unveiled on September 6, 2023. The First Lady hopes that Oshoala’s exceptional skills and outstanding performances inspire and encourage the youth, especially young girls, to show interest in the game of soccer.

“It is worthy of note that Oshoala has already secured the African Women’s Footballer of the Year title five consecutive times, along with the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award, among other sterling recognitions.

“Congratulations once again to Asisat Oshoala for her extraordinary achievements and for making Nigeria proud,” the First Lady, Mrs Tinubu, declared.

Oshoala is currently in the Camp of the Super Falcons, who are set to open their 2023 World Cup campaign against Canada.