Bay FC forward, Asisat Oshoala, is set to face her former club, FC Barcelona, for the first time since her transfer, in a highly anticipated international club friendly.
According to The PUNCH, the match is scheduled for Tuesday, August 27, at Bay FC’s new home ground, PayPal Park in San Jose, and promises to be a showcase of elite women’s soccer talent.
Oshoala, who joined Bay FC from Barcelona in February, will reunite with her former teammates in what is expected to be a thrilling encounter.
The 29-year-old Super Falcons striker widely regarded as one of the best in the world, has already made a significant impact at Bay FC, scoring the club’s first-ever goal in their National Women’s Soccer League debut against Angel City.
Her presence in this friendly match adds an extra layer of excitement, as fans will see her go head-to-head with the team where she cemented her legacy as a global football icon.
Reflecting on the upcoming match, Bay FC CEO Brady Stewart emphasized the significance of the event for both clubs and the broader football community.
“Bay FC is building a global sports franchise grounded in the Bay Area. Both Bay FC and FC Barcelona are committed to growing women’s soccer here and abroad,” Stewart said.
The match is strategically placed between the NWSL regular season games, ensuring that the players are in peak form.
Stewart further highlighted the level of competition that fans can expect, noting, “The match will feature an unparalleled amount of talent with World Cup Champions and national team players across numerous countries, so we encourage fans to purchase tickets early as we anticipate tickets will be flying off the site.”
His comments reflect the global appeal of the game, with both teams boasting rosters filled with top-tier players.
Oshoala’s move to Bay FC marked the end of an extraordinary chapter with Barcelona, where she spent five years and became one of the club’s most prolific scorers.
During her time at Barcelona, she netted an impressive 85 goals in 101 appearances, a testament to her consistent excellence on the pitch.
Her contributions were instrumental in helping the Catalan giants secure numerous titles, including four Primera División championships and three UEFA Women’s Champions League trophies.
Her accolades with Barcelona are numerous and well-deserved. Oshoala was named the African Women’s Footballer of the Year six times, including during her stint with Barcelona, and she finished as the top scorer in the Primera División with 20 goals during the 2021/22 season.
The Nigerian international trophy cabinet also includes four Supercopa de España Femenina titles, three Copa de la Reina victories, and a Copa Catalunya title, underscoring her influence in one of the most dominant periods in Barcelona’s history.
While Oshoala had a relatively quiet campaign with Nigeria’s Super Falcons at the recent Olympics, her return to club football with Bay FC has reignited her scoring touch.
The upcoming match against Barcelona not only offers a chance for her to showcase her skills against her former club but also represents a significant moment in Bay FC’s journey as they continue to build their identity in the NWSL and on the international stage.
