Super Falcons forward Asisat Oshoala has gifted her former grassroots coach, Emmanuel Osahon Orobosa of FC Robo International, a brand-new Toyota Highlander in recognition of his contribution to her football career.
The club announced the gesture in a statement on Thursday, praising the Nigerian international for remembering those who played significant roles in her journey to becoming one of Africa’s most successful female footballers.
Orobosa, the founder, chairman and head coach of FC Robo International, helped nurture Oshoala’s talent from her teenage years, having supported her development since 2009.
FC Robo described the gift as a remarkable show of appreciation, noting that it reflected the striker’s gratitude and continued connection to her roots.
“Your presentation of a Toyota Highlander to Coach Osahon is a beautiful demonstration of gratitude and a reminder that you have not forgotten the people who played important roles in your journey,” the club said.
The club recalled that Orobosa provided guidance and support for Oshoala when she was still a teenager, helping her pursue her football ambitions despite the challenges she encountered.
“Since your teenage days in 2009, when you began attracting attention with your football talent, Coach Osahon has been part of your growth, providing guidance, support and an environment to nurture your dreams.
“It is heartwarming to see that, years after rising to international prominence, you still recognise and appreciate the role he played in your early development,” the statement read.
FC Robo also highlighted Oshoala’s previous contributions to the club, particularly her donation of a bus during her early years in Europe.
The club described the latest gesture as another demonstration of her loyalty and appreciation for the institution that provided the foundation for her professional career.
Oshoala’s relationship with her former coach dates back to when she faced opposition from her parents over her decision to pursue football professionally.
Growing up in Lagos, she initially struggled to secure her parents’ support, as they preferred that she concentrate on her education. She often played football with boys on the streets and sometimes visited her grandmother to avoid confrontation at home.
In a 2023 interview with BBC Sport, she recalled the challenges she faced while pursuing her dream.
“My parents didn’t want me to play sports at all and sometimes there were big fights at home. I had to run to my grandmother’s house to escape trouble,” she said.
Orobosa reportedly helped ease the situation by visiting her family and persuading her parents to allow her to continue playing football.
Oshoala began her organised football career with FC Robo in 2009 at the age of 15 before joining Rivers Angels in 2013.
Her impressive performances in Nigeria earned her a move to English club Liverpool in 2015. She later featured for Arsenal, Chinese side Dalian Quanjian and Spanish giants Barcelona, where she enjoyed a successful spell, winning several domestic titles and the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
After leaving Barcelona, she joined American side Bay FC in 2024 before moving to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal in September 2025.
At international level, Oshoala has represented the Super Falcons at several FIFA Women’s World Cup and Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
She has won the CAF African Women’s Player of the Year award six times, making her the most decorated recipient in the award’s history. She also became the first African woman to score at three different editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Her latest gesture further highlights her appreciation for the people and institution that helped shape her football career.
