Liverpool Ladies’ Asisat Oshoala has made the shortlist for BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year; the only African player in the final five.
The Nigeria international joins a list that includes Spain’s Veronica Boquete, Germany’s Nadine Kessler, Scotland’s Kim Little and Brazilian forward Marta.
Oshoala 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, a tournament Nigeria’s Super Falcons won.
On hearing of her nomination, Oshoala told reporters: “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.”
A panel of experts – including administrators, journalists, coaches and former players picked the shortlisted five players, who are now at the mercy of a public vote before the winner can be revealed on May 26.
According to the BBC World Service website: “Voting is open now and closes on May 11 at 10:00 BST. Fans can vote online through the BBC website or by SMS.”
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 crème de la crème of female footballers from across the globe.”
