An historic transfer that shook the African continent last summer, Racheal Kundananji joined Bay FC from Spanish powerhouse Madrid CFF for a women’s world record transfer fee of £625,000 alongside Asisat Oshoala which alludes to the growing influx of quality players in Africa, a significant boost to their image on the global stage.
The move which undoubtedly stands to be a worthy and justified switch has paved the way for the growing number of African players in the National Women Soccer League with more expected in the coming years.
The 23 year Zambian star admitted afterwards on the intense pressure she’s had to bear with the price tag as well as justifying the club’s investment on her.
“There is so much pressure on me as a result of the world-record transfer fee but I just have to calm down, focus on my work and continue playing football,” the striker tells the Guardian from Ndola.
With her focus now on San Jose and the desire to make a football imprint in the US, somewhere she had never been before agreeing her new deal. “I am not putting myself under any pressure. I am going to the United States like this is not my first time…Our generation is the chosen generation, just expect more records to be broken. This is the generation that will show that there is great talent in Africa.”
“This is not the end. It’s just the beginning. The expectations of the fans will be so high and opponents are not going to be so friendly to me. That’s why there is so much pressure now.”
Founded in April 2023, Bay FC who are the first top-flight women’s professional soccer team in the Bay Area since the folding of the San Jose CyberRays and FC Gold Pride didn’t just signify a statement signing, they also signed serial award winner and medalist In Super Falcons of Nigeria star girl, Asisat Oshoala at the back of an illustrious career with Barcelona Femenino where she spent five years.
Asisat Oshoala is a true pioneer in African women’s football, having shattered numerous glass ceilings throughout her illustrious career. Her remarkable achievements began in 2019 when she etched her name in history by becoming the first African player to score a goal in the UEFA Women’s Champions League final.
Further reading: Influx of African stars to NWSL signals shift in perceptions and styles
This feat was just the beginning. On May 16th, 2021, Oshoala reached another landmark, becoming the first African woman to win the coveted UEFA Champions League trophy itself, a testament to her brilliance and the dominant performance of her team, Barcelona.
Her dominance continued in the following season. The six times African Women’s Footballer of the Year secured another historic achievement, becoming the first African woman to win the prestigious Pichichi Trophy, awarded to the top scorer in Spain’s Primera División. This further solidified her status as a prolific goalscorer on the biggest stages.
Popularly called “Àgba Baller”, which means in her local parlance, “Legendary Footballer”, Oshoala’s list of accolades didn’t stop there. In August 2022, she received another historic recognition – the first African woman to be nominated for the prestigious Ballon d’Or Féminin, the highest individual honor in women’s football. This nomination cemented her place among the world’s elite footballers.
Most recently, in 2024, Oshoala continued to rewrite history. She became the first African player, not just woman, to win the UEFA Champions League a staggering three times. This remarkable feat underscores her enduring talent and her position as a legend in both African and European football.
Ifeoma Onumonu is one of the very few African female players to win the NWSL title, doing so in a successful campaign with NJ/NY Gotham FC, playing a pivotal role in the conquest before she was traded to Utah Royals for $40,000 in allocation money.
Speedysports Top 10 African Players In The NWSL:
i. Rachael Kudananji: Kundananji’s journey in club football started in 2018 when she joined Indeni Roses, based in Ndola. She caught their attention while playing for Konkola Blades in Chililabombwe, her hometown. In 2019, she made a significant leap by signing with BIIK Kazygurt from Kazakhstan, who were competing in the Champions League at the time.
Despite facing challenges as one of the few African players in Kazakhstan while playing in Europe’s premier competition, Kundananji remained undeterred in her quest to establish herself in European club football. When Liga F side Eibar offered her a move to Spain, she swiftly accepted despite the financial offer from Kazygurt to stay. Her decision paid off as she moved to Madrid CFF in the summer of 2022 and scored an impressive 25 goals in 23 games in her debut season, setting the stage for Bay City to break the world-record fee to acquire her.
ii. Asisat Oshoala: Member of the order of Nigeria (MON), An honor conferred to her back in her country, Oshoala’s journey from Ikorodu remains one of grit, determination and a brave spirit. The Nike brand athlete is one of the most celebrated African female footballers of all time. Oshoala’s World Cup heroics propelled her to Instagram stardom in July 2023. Her dazzling performance against Australia sparked a surge in followers, making her the first African female footballer to reach the one-million mark on the platform.
She carved her name into Barcelona’s history books during her time at the club. In a remarkable spell, she racked up 162 appearances, scoring a staggering 117 goals. This prolificacy placed her as the club’s fourth-highest goalscorer of all time. Her trophy cabinet also flourished with 14 accolades, including an impressive two trebles.
On February 1st, 2024, a new chapter began for Oshoala. After a successful stint at Barcelona, she announced her move to Bay FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Her debut proved to be a dream one, as she netted Bay FC’s first-ever goal in a 1-0 victory against Angel City.
iii. Ifeoma Onumonu: The 2023 NWSL champion with Gotham FC is one of the few female players of African descent to achieve such coveted feat. Since joining via trade with OL Reign in 2020, Onumonu has spent three seasons with the club. During the 2021 and 2022 regular seasons with Gotham FC, the forward started 35 out of 40 matches, accumulating 2,920 minutes, scoring 10 goals, and providing six assists. In the 2023 regular season, Onumonu featured in 14 matches, starting four, and contributed 370 minutes along with one assist.
Ifeoma Onumonu established herself as a force before joining Gotham FC. Drafted by the Boston Breakers in the NWSL (2017), she went on to play for Portland Thorns (2018) and OL Reign (2019-2020). Onumonu’s talent was evident even in college.
At the University of California-Berkeley, she excelled both on and off the field, earning recognition as a NSCAA All-Pacific player and a three-time Pac-12 All-Academic Team selection. Additionally, Soccer America named her a Freshman All-American, solidifying her reputation as a rising star.
iv. Michelle Alozie: Michelle Alozie is a double threat; a soccer star and cancer researcher.
Born and raised in Apple Valley, California to Imo State Nigerian parents, Michelle Alozie’s journey with the Houston Dash began in 2021 as a preseason trialist, reuniting her with childhood friend Ally Prisock. This wasn’t entirely random; Dash assistant Twila Kilgore, who previously recruited Alozie at Pepperdine Waves, recognized her talent.
Her initial contract was a national team replacement, but her impressive performance earned her a full contract for the remaining season. The following year, her dedication was rewarded with a first postseason start in the NWSL Playoffs. Alozie’s commitment was further solidified in December 2022 with a two-year contract extension with the Dash.
Michelle Alozie is a woman of many talents. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Molecular Biology from the prestigious Yale University. Off the field, she works part-time as a cancer research technician at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, Texas.
v. Barbra Banda: Barbra Banda’s arrival at the Orlando Pride in March 2024 was a turning point for both the player and the team. She immediately made an impact, scoring, assisting, and drawing a penalty in her first start. Her impressive form continued throughout May, netting braces (two goals in a game) against multiple teams and tying the league lead in goals. This dominant performance earned her the NWSL Player of the Month award for May 2024.
Notably, the former professional boxer spearheaded Zambia’s charge to their first-ever COSAFA Women’s Cup title in September 2022. Leading by example, she notched an impressive ten goals throughout the tournament, securing the Golden Ball Award for the competition’s best player.
vi. Estelle Johnson: Born in Cameroon to an American father and Malian mother, Estelle Johnson’s professional career began with a twist. Drafted by the Los Angeles Sol in 2010, the team folded before the season. However, Johnson didn’t miss a beat, landing with the Philadelphia Independence in the dispersal draft IN 2011. Drafted next by Western New York Flash in 2013 where she spent just a year, she has since gone on to represent Washington Spirit, Sky Blue FC and now presently with NC Courage.
Formerly an England international, the defender will now lead the Indomitable Lionesses’ squad for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.
vii. Uchenna Kanu: Kanu’s inspiring life fits perfectly into the “from grass to grace” phrase. Her story is one of remarkable transformation. In her youth, she hustled selling oranges and drinks on the streets of Aba, Nigeria. However, her passion for football propelled her to represent Nigeria on the world stage in multiple FIFA Women’s World Cups. Now, she excels as a striker for Racing Louisville in the United States, an inspiring testament to her dedication and talent.
ix. Linda Mothalo: Popularly knows as the ‘Randfontein Ronaldinho‘, the South African professional player had her first tase of American football when she joined the Houston Dash in the NWSL in February 2018. She then reunited with former national team coach Vera Pauw. She made 21 appearances and scored a goal for the Dash, leaving her mark despite a shorter stint that ended in February 2019.
After her experience with the Houston Dash, Linda Motlhalo returned to the NWSL in January 2024, signing a two-year contract with Racing Louisville FC. This move involved an undisclosed transfer fee paid by Racing Louisville to Glasgow City, her previous club. The contract extends through the 2025 season with a potential option for an additional year in 2026.
x. Temwa Chawinga: Temwa Chawinga wasted no time establishing herself in the NWSL after signing with the Kansas City Current in 2024. She etched her name in history as the first Malawian goalscorer in the league with a goal in a 4-2 win over Angel City FC in March. Her scoring prowess continued with a goal in a draw against NJ/NY Gotham FC, followed by a brace (two goals in a game) against Bay FC just a week later. These early performances solidified Chawinga’s impact on the Kansas City Current.
Leave a comment