Oshoala scores as Barcelona hit Athletic Bilbao

Asisat Oshoala was in song as Barcelona dominated Athletic Bilbao 4-0 in Tuesday’s Primera Division meeting.

The 26-year-old was on target in the second half as the Blaugranes passed the Lionesses away from home.

Despite his return from an international mission a few days before the match, the Super Falcons captain was given the starting role by coach Lluis Cortes.

However, she was played in midfield alongside Kheira Hamraoui and Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic.

With their 3-2 victory over Madrid in their last outing, Barcelona took the lead in 22nd thanks to Patricia Guijarro.

The Spanish midfielder passed goalkeeper Amaia Pena on a well-taken corner from compatriot Mapi Leon.

Ten minutes later, debutant Berta Bou added a second goal as the visiting team entered half-time with a two-goal lead.

Cortes’ side maintained their dominance in the second half and it paid off in the 61st minute when the four-time African player of the year passed the ball past Pena after capitalizing on a chaotic defense from the hosts.

The effort was her 17th in the 2020-21 campaign, and she is just three goals behind her best in Europe.

Another defensive incident for Athletic Bilbao saw substitute Alexia Putellas push past her scorers before concluding the game with ten minutes to go.

Oshoala will be hoping to increase his number of goals when Barcelona host Sporting de Huelva at Estadi Johan Cruyff on Thursday, June 24. For Iraia Iturregi’s side, they hope to find their way back to victory with a trip to Deportivo de La Coruna on Sunday.

After the Spanish team lost to Chelsea in the final of the Uefa Women’s Champions League, the former FC Robo star became the first Nigerian and the first African to win the competition.

After the feat, she expressed her hope that it would inspire other young girls in Africa to pursue their dreams.

“I can only thank God who made it all possible through hard work, playing alongside this incredibly talented group that creates a beautiful family atmosphere,” said Oshoala. BBC Sport Africa.

“It’s a great feeling and I can’t really express my emotions because it’s been a tough journey to get here.

“I hope this will continue to inspire other young girls in Africa and motivate everyone in the world so that you can achieve whatever you want and work hard for it.”