Nigeria’s Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala closed out a remarkable debut season in Saudi Arabia with heartbreak after Al Hilal suffered a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Al Nassr in the Saudi Women’s Cup final.
Oshoala once again found the back of the net, calmly converting a late penalty in extra time, but her effort was not enough to stop Al Nassr from completing another painful comeback victory over their fierce rivals.
Asisat Oshoala Delivers Again but Al Nassr Crush Al Hilal Dreams
Al Hilal looked destined for glory after taking the lead just before halftime through Jéssica Silva’s brilliant curled effort in the 44th minute.
Moments earlier, Oshoala had nearly opened the scoring herself, only to see her powerful header sail narrowly over the crossbar.
However, Al Nassr returned from the break with renewed intensity and gradually took control of the contest. Their pressure finally paid off in the 86th minute when Clara Luvanga fired home the equaliser to force extra time.
The momentum completely shifted afterward as Luvanga produced a sensational hat-trick performance. She struck again in the 97th minute before adding a third in the 105th minute to put Al Nassr firmly in command.
Oshoala briefly reignited hope for Al Hilal after winning and converting a late penalty, but Al Nassr held on to seal a thrilling victory and lift the trophy.
Oshoala Finishes Saudi Debut Campaign With Incredible Numbers
Despite the heartbreaking ending, Oshoala’s first season in Saudi Arabia was nothing short of exceptional.
The former Barcelona striker finished the campaign with 30 goal contributions across all competitions, scoring 24 goals and providing six assists for Al Hilal.
She ended the season in red-hot form with 14 goal contributions in her final nine matches, underlining her importance to the team.
Oshoala also played a decisive role in helping Al Hilal reach the final, notably scoring a brilliant hat-trick against Al Qadsiah in the semi-final second leg.
In league action, the Nigerian forward recorded 12 goals and four assists in the Saudi Women’s Premier League.
She also added six goals in the Saudi Women’s Challenge Cup and contributed six goals plus two assists in the Saudi Women’s Cup.
Unfortunately for Oshoala and Al Hilal, the season ended with double disappointment against Al Nassr, having also lost the Saudi Women’s Challenge Cup final and surrendered the league title to the same rivals.