By Ohuakanwa Chibuzo
Nigerian female striker Asisat Oshoala has been awarded the Best Goal of the 2023/24 UEFA Women’s Champions League season. Oshoala’s stunning bicycle kick in Barcelona’s 5-0 victory over Benfica in their opening group game was chosen as the standout goal of the tournament. This match set the tone for Barcelona’s campaign, culminating in their second consecutive Champions League title.
In the group-stage match, with Barcelona already leading 4-0, coach Jonatan Giráldez brought on Oshoala, the reigning Women’s African Footballer of the Year. She made an immediate impact, scoring the final goal of the match with a spectacular bicycle kick – her only goal in this year’s competition.
Following her contribution to Barcelona’s campaign, Oshoala made a mid-season move to American side Bay FC. Despite her transfer, she received a winner’s medal as recognition for her role in the early stages of Barcelona’s successful title defense.
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On Monday, UEFA announced Oshoala’s accolade on their website, highlighting her achievement among the top 10 goals of the season. “The top 10 goals of the 2023/24 UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign have been selected by UEFA’s Technical Observer panel, with Nigerian forward Asisat Oshoala taking the prize for Goal of the Season thanks to her stunning bicycle kick for Barcelona against Benfica on Matchday 1,” UEFA wrote.
In addition to Asisat Oshoala’s award, UEFA also acknowledged other top goals from the season. Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmatí took second place for her bending shot in the quarter-final second-leg win against Brann, while Lyon’s Delphine Cascarino claimed third place for her long-range strike in the quarter-final second-leg victory over Benfica.
Oshoala’s achievement marks another milestone in her illustrious career. The 29-year-old made history with Barcelona Femení by becoming the first African to win three UEFA Women’s Champions League titles. Her contributions to the team, despite her mid-season departure, were instrumental in securing their latest triumph.
Oshoala played in two group-stage matches during the Champions League campaign, scoring once before transferring to Bay FC. Her exceptional skill and memorable goal have left a lasting impression on the tournament and fans worldwide.