I’m Still Here, Unfazed by Retirement Rumours – Oshoala Debunks Fake News

Nigerian football star Asisat Oshoala has firmly denied rumours suggesting she is retiring from international football, dismissing the speculation as fake news propagated by a cloned social media account. The Bay FC and Super Falcons striker made her position clear days after reports falsely claimed she had announced her exit following the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

The rumour stemmed from a viral post allegedly published on Facebook, in which Oshoala was quoted as saying she would quit the Super Falcons after the WAFCON to pave way for younger players. The post circulated widely, sparking conversations across social and traditional media. However, the post was later confirmed to have originated from a fake Facebook account impersonating the player.

In response, Oshoala took to her verified social media platforms to strongly debunk the claim. Known for her wit and humour, she posted a meme showing a man fighting a bull, accompanied by the caption: “D day I catch that journalist… Ogun k*ll am.” The post, though lighthearted, underscored her irritation with the misinformation and served as a clear message that she has no plans to retire anytime soon.

Supporting her denial, Nigerian Football Federation official and women’s football advocate Aisha Falode clarified that the post was entirely fabricated. She emphasized that the Facebook account responsible was cloned and had no affiliation with Oshoala. Falode also confirmed that Oshoala has not issued any statement regarding retirement, either formally or informally.

The striker, a six-time CAF Women’s Player of the Year and one of Africa’s most decorated female footballers, remains an integral part of Nigeria’s campaign at WAFCON. With the Super Falcons aiming for a record-extending 10th continental title, Oshoala’s experience and leadership remain vital on and off the pitch.

This latest incident highlights the growing concern around misinformation in sports reporting, particularly when tied to high-profile athletes. Oshoala has urged the public and the media to disregard unfounded reports and rely only on verified sources for updates concerning her career.

For now, the message from Oshoala is loud and clear: she is still committed to her national team duties and remains focused on helping the Super Falcons achieve success at WAFCON and beyond.