FIFA WWC: Oshoala delighted with Falcon's performance, speaks on her academy.
Nigeria are the only African side to have appeared at all nine Women's World Cups and nearly a fortnight on from their heart-breaking exit at the hands of England, who will contest Sunday's final against Spain, forward Asisat Oshoala has been reflecting on the team's run at the tournament in Australia and New Zealand.
"I'm very happy with the team. It was interesting for us to get out of the group stage and go to the next round," Nigeria's star player told BBC Sport Africa.
Asisat Oshoala celebrated her match-winning goal against Australia by removing her shirt in celebration
"Obviously we were unlucky in our last match but I'm really proud of the team - amazing team spirit, an amazing effort from the girls and it can only get better."
Oshoala attracted attention when celebrating her late matchwinner against co-hosts Australia - a match Nigeria won 3-2 to secure their sole victory - by removing her shirt in celebration.
Given she has scored over 30 goals for the Super Falcons without celebrating in that style, not even when winning three Wafcon titles, why act in such fashion this time around?
"I think the team just needed that at that moment and I was happy we were able to get it as a team, not because it was me but because I know the girls deserved it. There was a whole lot of hard work put in before the game.
"I did the celebration because I was just in my moment and my family - the most important people to me - understood this."
The 28-year-old was speaking at her girls-only academy in Lagos, which was opened through her foundation last year.
The five-time African Footballer of the Year is providing training three times a week to girls between the ages of 12 and 18.
"I didn't even know female teams existed," said the Barcelona forward, thinking back to her youth.
"I decided to set up an academy because of the hardship I went through. I just took it upon myself to make things easier for the younger generation."
The financial rewards being given to Oshoala and her Nigeria teammates
would appear to show how much things have changed.
