* Àgbà Baller’s move to Saudi already yielding fruits beyond the pitch
Barely days after sealing a high-profile move to the women’s team of Saudi Arabian giant Al Hilal, Nigeria’s most decorated female footballer, Asisat Oshoala, has been sighted in the holy city of Makkah, performing Umrah.
Pictures received by Muslim News Sports on Friday show the six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year in prayer at the Kaabah, visibly moved by the experience of worship in Islam’s holiest site.
لاعبات الـهـلال 🙌🏼🔵
عمرة مقبولة 💚 pic.twitter.com/bJENG8N4xV— الدوري السعودي الممتاز للسيدات (@Saudi_WPL) October 3, 2025
Clad in a mint-green striped abaya, modestly draped with a light scarf, Oshoala cut a graceful figure, combining humility with her natural elegance.
The sight of a global superstar in such simplicity is a reminder that faith binds us all, no matter how high we rise in the world.
This comes just days after our editorial encouraged the 30-year-old striker to take advantage of her new environment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to deepen her spirituality through regular Umrah and, ultimately, Hajj. Thankfully, Oshoala appears to have embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly, setting an example that goes beyond football.
Oshoala, fondly called “Àgbà Baller,” joined Al Hilal early September after an illustrious European career that saw her shine at Liverpool, Arsenal, and Barcelona – where she became the first African woman to win the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
The Super Falcons striker has been named the Saudi Women’s Premier League Player of the Month for September barely a month after she joined Al Hilal. She topped a fan poll conducted by the league body on X, claiming 55 per cent of the 37,560 votes cast.
Asisat Oshoala has also been a linchpin for Nigeria’s Super Falcons, winning multiple Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) titles and representing the country with distinction at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Her decision to perform Umrah so soon after her transfer underlines what we highlighted in our editorial: that her move is not only about football, but also about faith, culture, and holistic growth. It also speaks to the inspiration she carries for millions, particularly young Muslim girls, who can now see in her a role model that balances sporting excellence with devotion and modesty.
As Oshoala embarks on this new chapter, we pray her Umrah inspires her further, and we hope it serves as a stepping stone to fulfilling the ultimate pilgrimage of Hajj in the coming year, in shaa Allah.
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