Oshoala surprises former coach with a new car

Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala has given her former grassroots coach, Emmanuel Osahon Orobosa from FC Robo International, a brand new Toyota Highlander. This gift shows her appreciation for his part in her football journey.

The club shared this news in a statement on Thursday. They thanked Oshoala for remembering those who helped her grow, even after she became one of Africa’s top female footballers.

Orobosa is the founder, chairman, and head coach of FC Robo International. He played a big role in shaping Oshoala's talent when she was a teenager.

The club mentioned that he has been supporting her since 2009, when people started noticing her football skills. They called the car presentation a sign of gratitude, showing that Oshoala hasn’t forgotten those who helped her career.

"Your presentation of a Toyota Highlander to Coach Osahon is a beautiful demonstration of gratitude and a reminder that you have not forgotten the people who played important roles in your journey," the club said.

The club also recalled how Orobosa guided Oshoala from her early football days. He created an environment that allowed her to chase her dreams despite the challenges she faced.

The statement noted that the coach's support started when Oshoala was still a teenager, long before she became famous in international women’s football.

"Since your teenage days in 2009, when you began attracting attention with your football talent, Coach Osahon has been part of your growth, providing guidance, support and an environment to nurture your dreams.

"It is heartwarming to see that, years after rising to international prominence, you still recognise and appreciate the role he played in your early development," the statement read.

Coach Emmanuel Osahon Orobosa of FC Robo International with the new car.

FC Robo mentioned Oshoala’s past support for the club too. They highlighted her donation of a bus when she started her career in Europe. They see this new gift as another sign of her strong connection to her roots.

"This gesture also brings back memories of your earlier support for the club, particularly your donation of a bus during your early years in Europe.

"Such acts of kindness go beyond material value; they reflect loyalty, gratitude and a lasting connection to your roots," it said.

Oshoala's relationship with her former coach goes back to when she was trying to get her family to accept her football dreams. Growing up in Lagos, she faced resistance from her parents, who wanted her to focus on her education rather than football. She often played with boys on the streets and sometimes had to hide from her parents to keep playing.

In a 2023 interview with BBC Sport, Oshoala shared that her parents did not support her love for football at first. Her grandmother was the one who encouraged her.

"My parents didn’t want me to play sports at all and sometimes there were big fights at home. I had to run to my grandmother’s house to escape trouble," she said.

Orobosa also helped her convince her family. He even visited her home to talk to her parents about letting her pursue football.

Oshoala began her organised football career at FC Robo in 2009, at just 15 years old, before moving to Rivers Angels in 2013. Her talent in Nigeria led her to join Liverpool in England in 2015, becoming one of the first Nigerian women to play in the English league.

Later, she played for Arsenal, a Chinese team called Dalian Quanjian, and the famous Spanish club Barcelona. At Barcelona, she had a successful run, winning many domestic titles and the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

After leaving Barcelona, she moved to Bay FC in the United States in 2024 and then to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal in September 2025.

On the international stage, Oshoala has been a key player for the Super Falcons, representing Nigeria in several FIFA Women’s World Cups and Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

She has won the CAF African Women’s Player of the Year award six times, setting a record for the award. Oshoala also became the first African woman to score in three different FIFA Women’s World Cups.

Her latest gift to Orobosa adds to her past contributions to the club that helped start her professional career.