Super Falcons legend Asisat Oshoala has put Arsenal’s fanbase in a difficult position, taking to social media to ask supporters which trophy they would be willing to sacrifice — the Premier League title or the UEFA Champions League.
The question arrives at a pivotal moment in Arsenal’s campaign. The Gunners recently secured a place in the Champions League semi-finals after eliminating Sporting CP, with a goalless second-leg draw proving sufficient to advance on the strength of their narrow first-leg win. The progression, however, was far from a statement of dominance — Arsenal have recorded just one victory in their last five matches across all competitions.
Despite their inconsistent recent form, that solitary win proved to be the difference in keeping their European ambitions intact. Arsenal will now face Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals, a tie that carries an additional subplot for African football fans: the Spanish club’s squad includes Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman, setting up a high-profile continental encounter.
Oshoala’s question also reflects the very real tension surrounding Arsenal’s domestic situation. The club currently sit at the top of the Premier League table, but their grip on first place has loosened following a recent defeat to Bournemouth. Manchester City remain six points adrift, though crucially they hold a game in hand — and a direct clash between the two title rivals looms on the horizon, adding further weight to the choices Arsenal and their supporters must consider.
The timing of Oshoala’s social media post has resonated with fans precisely because it captures the genuine complexity of Arsenal’s position. Competing seriously for both the Premier League and the Champions League in the same season is something the club has not done in recent memory. Arsenal last won the Premier League title in the 2003-04 season — the famous Invincibles campaign under Arsène Wenger — and have never lifted the European Cup or Champions League trophy in their history.
Manager Mikel Arteta has already been making headlines during this run-in. According to reports, Arteta was recently praised for matching a 140-year club record, though his team’s style of play has simultaneously drawn criticism from sections of the fanbase and punditry. Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has also publicly challenged Arteta to deliver a title win at Manchester City in the upcoming fixture.
For Oshoala, whose own career has seen her win multiple Africa Women Cup of Nations titles with Nigeria and domestic honours across Europe, the question of prioritising silverware is one rooted in personal experience. She remains one of the most recognisable figures in African football and continues to engage actively with club football discourse beyond her international commitments.
With the Premier League run-in and Champions League semi-finals set to unfold simultaneously over the coming weeks, Arsenal’s squad depth, form, and decision-making from the coaching staff will all be scrutinised. Whether the club’s supporters ultimately lean toward domestic glory or European immortality, Oshoala’s question has ensured the debate is firmly on the table.
