The Women’s International Champions Cup recognized Super Falcons forward Asisat Oshoala for her contributions to the growth of women’s soccer, adding another award to her ever-expanding collection of honors.
Both the Colombian and Deportivo Cali forward Linda Caicedo and the forward for Barcelona, who was named to the third annual WICC Best XI on Monday, were among the footballers nominated for the coveted accolades.
The list of honorees also included Jeff Kassouf and Anna Kessel, England national team coach Sarina Wiegman, U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone, and Ally Chief Marketing Officer Andrea Brimmer.
Along with two other activists, Asma Mirzae and Fran Hilton, co-founders of Angel City Kara Nortman and Kansas City Current Angie Long received recognition.
Susie Fiore, the chairman of the WICC, praised Oshoala and the other honorees for their contributions. “The winners work tirelessly to champion the women’s game, often in spite of great obstacles.
“Without the contributions of the 2022 honorees, the women’s game would not have the explosive growth that we’re seeing today.”
Nigeria’s most accomplished female footballer in history is Oshoala. She received her Ballon d’Or nomination in August, making history as the first African woman.
Her appearances for Liverpool and Arsenal, where she helped the Gunners win the 2015 Women’s FA Cup, made her the first African woman to play in the English league.
Oshoala was the first African to score in a UEFA Women’s Champions League final and a record-breaking five-time recipient of the African Women’s Footballer of the Year award.
The 28-year-old won the UEFA Champions League last year, making history as the first African woman to do it.
