Oshoala Shortlisted for BBC Women's Footballer of the Year Award

Asisat Oshoala

Nigeria’s Super Falcons and Liverpool Ladies player, Asisat Oshoala, was sunday nominated along with four other players for the inaugural BBC Women's Footballer of the Year award.

The other nominees include Spain's Veronica Boquete, Germany's Nadine Kessler and Scotland's Kim Little and Brazilian forward Marta.

Oshoala who emerged the Most Valuable Player of the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Canada last year was also the MVP at the African Women’s Championship in Namibia won by the Super Falcons.

A panel of experts - including administrators, journalists, coaches and former players picked the shortlist five players.
According to BBC World Service yesterday, the winner will be revealed on May 26 after being decided by a public vote.

“Voting is open now and closes on May 11 at 10:00 BST. Fans can vote online through the BBC website or by SMS,” stressed the message on BBC website.

To vote for BBC Women's Footballer of the Year 2015 by SMS, text the number of the player you wish to vote for to +44 7786 20 20 04 . Text 1 for Veronica Boquete, 2 for Nadine Kessler, 3 for Kim Little, 4 for Marta and 5 for Asisat Oshoala.

Controller of BBC World Service English, Mary Hockaday, said: "With anticipation building ahead of the Women's World Cup in Canada in June we're thrilled to announce the shortlist for the first BBC Women's Footballer of the Year award.
"The five shortlisted players represent the creme de la creme of female footballers from across the globe."
Oshoala who moved to England to play for the Liverpool Ladies, said of her nomination for the award.

"I worked hard last year but I am surprised to be nominated and I feel very appreciated. This award is a very good thing for women's football. It can really help us by encouraging other countries to support their ladies more and treat them the same way they treat the men," observed the fast rising player who won the 2014 African Footballer of the year at an award ceremony in Lagos early in January.
Spanish midfielder Boquete told the BBC: "I'm really, really happy to be shortlisted. To have all the media talking about this award is really important to help our sport grow."

2013 European Championship winner Kessler added: "I am very honoured to be nominated for the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year Award. It is a special award because this time the fans are given the opportunity to vote for the players."
Little, who plays for Seattle Reign in the United States, said: "Considering the competitiveness and the amount of great players there are worldwide, it's extremely nice to be recognised."

Marta, a World Cup runner-up, said: "I feel very happy to be nominated and already feel victorious just for being in the final five. It's very special because you are being judged by the public, the people who follow you."