FACT-CHECK: Did Asisat Oshoala announce retirement from international football?

By Adejayan Gbenga

Claims circulating on social media that Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala has announced her retirement from international football have been found to be false.

The rumour originated from a viral post on Monday morning, attributed to an unverified account named “Rooney FC,” which suggested that the six-time African Player of the Year would retire after the ongoing 2024/25 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. Several online platforms amplified the story without proper verification.

However, REPUBLICAN NIGERIA has independently verified that Oshoala has not made any retirement announcement. In fact, sources close to the forward confirmed she remains fully committed to Nigeria’s WAFCON campaign, as the Super Falcons gear up for a high-stakes semi-final clash against South Africa on Wednesday.

Oshoala, who opened Nigeria’s scoring in the tournament with an early goal against Tunisia, has not issued any statement—public or otherwise—regarding retirement through any of her verified social media channels. The misleading claims have since been debunked by credible insiders.

A source close to Oshoala stated:

> “There is no retirement announcement from Oshoala. She is focused on WAFCON and the task ahead.”

Widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest female footballers, Oshoala continues to play a pivotal role for both club and country. She is aiming to help Nigeria clinch a record-extending 10th WAFCON title.

VERDICT: FALSE
Asisat Oshoala has not announced her retirement from international football.