Sherifat Moshood Aims to Combine Oshoala, Osimhen Traits for Nigeria

A promising young talent is emerging from Lagos, as Ten-Over-Ten Academy’s JSS1 pupil Sherifat Moshood dreams of shaping her footballing future by fusing the traits of Nigeria’s two modern greats Asisat Oshoala and Victor Osimhen.

In an exclusive chat with Sports247, Sherifat revealed that she draws inspiration from both superstars, hoping to merge their best attributes into her own game as she works toward representing Nigeria at the highest level.

“Oshoala and Osimhen have many things in common they’re fast, they score great goals, and they play with determination,” she said with confidence. “I want to score great goals and help Nigeria win medals like them. I also want to become Africa’s best player like both of them.”

The young striker, who turns out for Heart of Lion Football Academy’s female team, trains regularly at LA Primary School, Igando-Ikotun Road. Her journey began last year when she was spotted by coach Afeez Afeez while playing street football near Unity Bus Stop, Ikotun.

Since then, she has been admired for her passion, work ethic, and hunger to improve. She dedicates her drive to her family, particularly her father, Alhaji Aliyu Moshood, who she says motivates her every day.

“I want to make my father proud,” she added. “Osimhen is fast and strong Oshoala is also determined and scores amazing goals. I want to be even greater than both of them.”

Sherifat’s ambition reflects the growing wave of young Nigerian girls inspired by football icons a generation eager to write new chapters in the nation’s sporting story.

EDITORIAL

Football has always found its truest expression not in cathedrals of concrete, but in the dust and pulse of the streets. In Ikotun, where the echoes of games played at dusk mix with Lagos’ restless rhythm, a girl named Sherifat Moshood is daring to dream.

Her idols, Asisat Oshoala and Victor Osimhen, represent the twin pillars of Nigerian football grace and grit. Oshoala, the embodiment of relentless progress; Osimhen, the personification of power and perseverance. To imagine a child aspiring to combine both is not mere fantasy; it’s an act of faith in the continuity of excellence.

Sherifat’s dream matters because it mirrors a wider truth the future of Nigerian football lies not only in academies but in the quiet conviction of children who believe they can transcend their surroundings. Her words — spoken not in a stadium but in a small community school carry the innocence and intensity that mark every great football story before it begins.

There is something profoundly moving about a 12-year-old who already measures herself not by limits, but by possibilities. Her journey will not be easy none ever is but the spark of ambition she carries is what keeps the nation’s football flame alive.

In Moshood’s story, Nigeria sees not just hope but a reminder: greatness often begins where few are watching.

Did You Know?

1. Asisat Oshoala is the only African player male or female to win five African Player of the Year awards.
2. Victor Osimhen holds the record for the most goals scored by a Nigerian in a single Serie A season.
3. Oshoala was the first African woman to score in a UEFA Women’s Champions League final.
4. Osimhen was discovered at the Ultimate Strikers Academy in Lagos  just a few miles from where Sherifat now trains.
5. Nigeria has produced more African Youth Player of the Year winners than any other country on the continent.