Asisat’s struggle to persuade her family to let her become a footballer inspired her to open an all-girls football school in Lagos last year, the Asisat Oshoala Academy.
On its website, she says she is committed to paving the way for others: “I have always strived to give back to the girls in my community and I believe this football academy will provide opportunities for more girls to excel through the combination of sport and education.”
Having served her national team since 2014, Asisat has been voted African Women’s Footballer of the Year a record five times.
Her contributions have not been restricted to the pitch, however. She spoke openly about disputes with the Nigerian Football Federation about unpaid bonuses and allowances to the squad that marred the team’s World Cup preparations.
“It’s not always a good look to stage protests because all the players want to do is focus on the football,” she told the BBC in June.
Nigeria have several Women’s African Cup titles in their trophy room but their best World Cup finish was a quarter-final in 1999.
This year’s tournament has already seen a fair share of surprising results, so Asisat and her team-mates are now entertaining the prospect of upsetting continental champions and title contenders England.
“Our team has a lot to offer, and the world has seen it [at the World Cup],” she said in a pitchside interview after the game against Australia.
What is certain is that her father will be glued to the TV set back home cheering on his daughter. “Nothing can stop Nigeria now. They will win,” he said.