Paris 2024: Oshoala reconnects with 18-year-old Nigerian mentee, ex-Barca pal after Super Falcons heartbreak vs Spain

Vicky Lopez holds up Asisat Oshoala's kit after the Paris 2024 Nigeria vs Spain clash.

Paris 2024: Oshoala reconnects with 18-year-old Nigerian mentee, ex-Barca pal after Super Falcons heartbreak vs Spain

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 09:27 - 29.07.2024

Nigeria's Asisat Oshoala had time to reconnect with her former Barcelona teammates, including the 18-year-old wonderkid after the Super Falcons' loss to Spain in Paris 2024.

Nigeria's superstar Asisat Oshoala took time to reconnect with her former Barcelona teammates, including teenage sensation Salma Paralluelo, following the Super Falcons' narrow defeat to Spain in their Olympic clash.

A video posted on X.com showed the Nigerian legend posing for photos with Paralluelo and fellow Barca alumna Vicky Lopez. This 18-year-old Spanish-born Nigerian starlet idolises the reigning African Player of the Year.

Oshoala reunites with ex-Barcelona teammates

The footage saw Paralluelo, who caused Nigeria problems during the Paris 2024 showdown and had a goal disallowed by VAR, wearing Michelle Alozie's kit to take a shot of the Nigerian icon donning her former teammate Vicky’s jersey while the youngster held her idol's in a touching gesture.

Oshoala, who spent five years with Barcelona before joining USA's Bay FC in the NWSL, proved her enduring class with a stellar performance for the Super Falcons despite their heartbreaking loss.

Asisat Oshoala, contesting the ball against Spain, justified her starting berth against the World Champions.
Asisat Oshoala, contesting the ball against Spain, justified her starting berth against the World Champions. (Image: Justina Aniefiok/X)

The 28-year-old striker's inclusion in the starting lineup was a major talking point leading up to the clash, with fans questioning her controversial omission in Nigeria's opening game defeat to Brazil.

Oshoala Shines in Defeat

But the Nigerian legend more than justified her selection, putting on a clinic against the reigning world champions Spain.

Oshoala's impact was immediate, crafting Nigeria's best chance of the match with a moment of individual brilliance, though the opportunity was ultimately spurned by captain Rasheedat Ajibade.

Asisat Oshoala Super Falcons star
Asisat Oshoala Super Falcons star || Imago

The forward's stats underlined her influence, as she created two chances, made two key passes, and boasted a perfect completion rate for both crosses and long

passes. Oshoala also won three duels before being substituted in the 73rd minute.

Rasheedat Ajibade has Nigeria's best chance of the game against Spain in the first half.
Rasheedat Ajibade has Nigeria's best chance of the game against Spain in the first half. (Image: Justina Aniefiok/X)

Despite Oshoala's heroics, Nigeria couldn't avoid another heartbreaking defeat in their quest for a first-ever Olympics gold in Paris 2024. 

A moment of magic from two-time Best Women's Player Alexia Putellas saw Spain snatch victory with a stunning late free-kick that left Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie rooted to the spot.

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