Oshoala Scores in First Barca Face-Off, Bay FC Falls 5-2

Asisat Oshoala marked her first encounter against her former club, Barcelona, by scoring for Bay FC in a thrilling international friendly at PayPal Park on Tuesday. Despite her early goal, Bay FC eventually succumbed to a 5-2 defeat in front of a crowd of 14,187 fans. The 29-year-old Nigerian striker, who left Barcelona in February, wasted no time making an impact. Oshoala opened the scoring in the 17th minute, capitalizing on a misstep by the Barcelona goalkeeper. She intercepted a pass near the edge of the box and delivered a clinical shot into the bottom left corner, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. Bay FC celebrated Oshoala’s goal on their Instagram page, proudly posting, “It had to be Oshoala to score first against her former team.” Her goal showcased the form that made her a star during her time at Barcelona, where she netted an impressive 85 goals in 101 matches from 2019 to 2024, earning numerous trophies and individual accolades.

However, Barcelona quickly responded, equalizing just four minutes later. Ewa Pajor skillfully dribbled down the right flank before passing to Kika Nazareth, who struck from the edge of the box to make it 1-1. The Catalan side continued to dominate, eventually securing a 5-2 victory. Oshoala, who has also played for Liverpool and Arsenal, was substituted at halftime, making way for Anderson. Despite the loss, her performance against her former club was a highlight, demonstrating her continued prowess on the field.

The match was more than just a competition; it was a reunion filled with mutual respect and admiration. At the final whistle, Barcelona players embraced Oshoala, celebrating the moment with their former teammate. Barcelona’s official social media accounts echoed this sentiment, posting, “Great to see you again, Asisat Oshoala.” Oshoala’s next challenge comes on Friday when Bay FC travels to face Portland Thorns FC at Providence Park. As the Nigerian international continues to lead the line for Bay FC, fans will be eager to see if she can replicate her goal-scoring form in the upcoming matches. Image Credit: Getty Images