Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala rewards FC Robo International coach Emmanuel Osahon Orobosa for nurturing her football talent from her teenage years, reaffirming her connection to the people who helped shape her career.

Super Falcons forward Asisat Oshoala has rewarded her former grassroots coach, Emmanuel Osahon Orobosa, with a brand-new Toyota Highlander in recognition of his contributions to her football career.

The Nigerian football star presented the luxury vehicle to Orobosa, the founder, chairman and head coach of FC Robo International, in a heartwarming gesture of appreciation for the role he played in nurturing her talent from an early age.

FC Robo International announced the development in a statement on Thursday, November 5, 2026, praising Oshoala for remembering the people who supported her journey to becoming one of Africa's most successful female footballers.

According to the club, Orobosa has been instrumental in Oshoala's development since 2009, when she was just 15 years old and beginning to attract attention with her football abilities.

The club described the car gift as a powerful demonstration of gratitude, noting that the forward had not forgotten those who gave her the opportunity and encouragement to pursue her dreams.

It stated that Orobosa provided guidance, support and an enabling environment for the young footballer to develop her abilities despite the challenges she encountered while pursuing a professional career.

FC Robo said: “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 also recalled Oshoala's earlier contribution, particularly her donation of a bus to FC Robo during her initial years in Europe.

It described both gestures as evidence of her continued loyalty to the club and appreciation for the people who supported her rise in football.

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

How Orobosa helped Oshoala overcome early challenges

Oshoala's relationship with her former coach dates back to a period when pursuing football professionally was not easy for her.

Growing up in Lagos, the footballer faced opposition from her parents, who initially wanted her to concentrate on her education rather than pursue a sporting career.

She previously revealed that she sometimes had to escape to her grandmother's house to avoid disagreements at home over her determination to play football.

In a 2023 interview with BBC Sport, Oshoala recalled the difficulties she experienced while trying to convince her family to support her ambitions.

"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 reportedly played an important role in changing the situation by visiting her family and appealing to her parents to allow her to continue playing football.

From FC Robo to international football success

Oshoala began her organised football career with FC Robo International in 2009 before joining Rivers Angels in 2013.

Her impressive performances in Nigeria opened the door to European football, and she joined English club Liverpool in 2015.

She subsequently featured for Arsenal, Chinese club Dalian Quanjian and Spanish giants Barcelona, where she enjoyed considerable success, winning several domestic honours and the UEFA Women's Champions League.

After leaving Barcelona, she joined American club Bay FC in 2024 before moving to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal in September 2025.

At international level, Oshoala has established herself as one of the most influential players in the history of Nigeria's Super Falcons, representing the country at multiple FIFA Women's World Cups and Women's Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.

She has won the CAF African Women's Player of the Year award a record six times and became the first African woman to score at three different editions of the FIFA Women's World Cup.

Her latest gift to Orobosa is another reminder of the importance of grassroots football development and the coaches who invest their time and resources in discovering and nurturing young talents.

For Oshoala, the journey from a teenage footballer at FC Robo to an internationally celebrated star has not erased the memories of those who believed in her when her dream was just beginning.

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