Super Falcons forward Asisat Oshoala has rewarded the grassroots coach who helped launch her football career with a brand new Toyota Highlander, nearly two decades after he nurtured her talent.
The former African Women's Player of the Year presented the vehicle to Emmanuel Osahon Orobosa, founder and head coach of FC Robo International, in recognition of his contribution to her development.
FC Robo disclosed the gesture in a statement on Thursday, recalling how Orobosa supported Oshoala when she joined the club as a teenager in 2009.
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The club described the gift as a demonstration of gratitude, saying the forward had remained conscious of the people who helped her achieve international success.
“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 statement said.
It added that Orobosa provided guidance and support when Oshoala was still developing her football abilities and facing challenges in pursuing a professional career.
FC Robo also recalled the forward's previous contributions to the club, particularly her donation of a bus during her early years in Europe.
“Such acts of kindness go beyond material value; they reflect loyalty, gratitude and a lasting connection to your roots,” the club said.
Orobosa played an important role in helping Oshoala convince her parents to allow her to pursue football, despite their initial preference for her to concentrate on education.
In a 2023 interview with BBC Sport, the forward revealed that her parents initially opposed her sporting ambitions, while her grandmother 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.
Oshoala began her organised football career at FC Robo in 2009, aged 15, before moving to Rivers Angels in 2013.
Her performances earned her a move to Liverpool in 2015. She subsequently played for Arsenal, Dalian Quanjian and Barcelona, where she won several titles, including the UEFA Women's Champions League.
She joined American side Bay FC in 2024 before moving to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal in September 2025.
At international level, Oshoala has represented Nigeria at several FIFA Women's World Cup and Women's Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. She has also won the CAF African Women's Player of the Year award six times, a record.
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