Female footballer of the year - BBC shortlist Asisat Oshoala

Nigerian football prodigy Asisat Oshoala has been nominated by the BBC for the first edition of the Women’s Footballer Of The Year award.

Oshoala’s rise has been meteoric since she came out at the 2014 Under-20 World Cup, where she won the Best Player & Top Goalscorer awards.

Oshoala, who signed for Liverpool in January, said the inauguration of the award was good for women’s football.

“I worked hard last year but I am surprised to be nominated and I feel very appreciated,” said Oshoala.

“This award is a very good thing for women’s football,” Oshoala continued.

“It can really help us by encouraging other countries to support their ladies more and treat them the same way they treat the men.”

See the full nominee list below.

BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year shortlist

Verónica Boquete (Spain and FFC Frankfurt)

Nadine Kessler (Germany and VFL Wolfsburg)

Kim Little (Scotland and Seattle Reign FC)

Marta (Brazil and FC Rosengard)

Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria and Liverpool)