Asisat Oshoala Beats Victor Osimhen to Nigerian Baller of the Week After Al Hilal Brace and Assist

Asisat Oshoala has been named Nigerian Baller of the Week after delivering a commanding two-goal, one-assist display in Al Hilal’s Saudi League season opener against Eastern Flames, according to Pulse Sports Nigeria.

The Super Falcons legend, formerly of Barcelona Femení, made an immediate impact in the 4-3 victory over Al Qadsiah — a result that served as Al Hilal’s statement of intent ahead of the new season. Her performance edged out two strong competing claims from fellow Nigerian internationals Victor Osimhen and Esther Okoronkwo.

Osimhen had mounted a credible challenge after returning from injury to score the only goal in Galatasaray’s 1-0 win over Fenerbahçe in the Istanbul derby — one of European football’s most intense club rivalries. The strike helped tighten Galatasaray’s grip on the Süper Lig title race, and Osimhen has now reached the 20-goal mark for the 2025/2026 season. However, a single-goal contribution could not match the volume and variety of Oshoala’s triple-threat output.

Okoronkwo also entered the conversation after scoring and registering an assist in AFC Toronto’s away win over Vancouver on NWSL opening day, with the WAFCON 2025 standout making a strong early impression in North America. Despite the significance of that performance for a side building its identity in the league, the award went to the more decorated of the three nominees.

Oshoala’s week extended beyond the pitch. A day before the match, she publicly predicted that Marcus Rashford would have a decisive impact from the bench for Barcelona — a call that proved accurate following Hansi Flick’s substitution. She subsequently referenced the moment on social media, posting: “Like I said 😅😅he delivered 🔥🔥🤟🏾” on April 25, 2026.

The Nigerian forward’s recognition continues a strong run of form for the country’s overseas-based players. Kelechi Iheanacho recently claimed the same weekly award for the second time in three weeks, while Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye earned his first-ever Baller of the Week honour following a standout display for AC Milan. Oshoala’s victory adds to that recent wave of Nigerian talent making headlines across multiple competitions and continents.

Now established as a prominent figure in the Saudi Women’s Football League following her departure from Barcelona, Oshoala remains one of the most decorated African women’s footballers of her generation, having won the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award on multiple occasions. Her early form at Al Hilal suggests the transition has done little to diminish her influence at club level.