Oshoala’s goal not enough to save Bay FC from defeat to Gotham FC

• Asisat Oshoala scored her seventh goal of the season in Bay FC’s 5-1 defeat
• Gotham FC secured victory with goals from Jenna Nighswonger, Rose Lavelle, Esther González (2), and Cecelia Kizer
• Oshoala’s Bay FC sits in eighth place with 28 points from 23 matches

In a match that promised so much but delivered heartbreak, Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala found herself on the scoresheet once again, but even her brilliance couldn’t spare Bay FC from a resounding 5-1 loss to Gotham FC in Saturday's NWSL clash. 

Oshoala's equaliser had given a glimmer of hope after Gotham took an early lead through Jenna Nighswonger’s penalty. However, Bay FC couldn’t withstand Gotham's pressure in the second half, leaving their playoff hopes in jeopardy.

Oshoala’s well-timed strike came just nine minutes after the opening goal, and it marked her seventh goal of the season, continuing her rich vein of form with four goals in her last five appearances. The reigning CAF Women’s Player of the Year has also now scored in back-to-back matches, making her role very key for Bay FC.

Despite her outstanding individual performance, which included winning three tackles, three ground duels, two recoveries, and completing 15 accurate passes, Oshoala could not prevent Bay FC from being overrun. 

Rose Lavelle restored Gotham’s lead shortly after the break, followed by a quickfire double from Esther González that put the match beyond Bay FC’s reach. Cecelia Kizer sealed the deal with a late goal, completing the victory.

This loss places Bay FC in eighth position, with 28 points from 23 matches, as they prepare to face Kansas City Current in what could be a crucial fixture for their fading playoff ambitions. Bay FC has now lost twice in five matches, a concerning trend as the season draws to a close.

For Asisat, it was a mixed day. It was another goal for the individual record books, but it was a result that left Bay FC’s playoff hopes hanging by a thread.

Bay FC has been impressive on the road, scoring in their last seven away matches and in 11 of their 12 games this season. Tonight’s game saw them concede multiple goals for the first time since August 23. 

Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala continued her excellent form, with six of her seven goals this season have come away from home. Zambia’s star Racheal Kundananji also added her team-leading third assist of the season, with two of those assists recorded in away games. Notably, this was the first time in 2024 that the two Africans combined for a goal.

Paris Olympics 2024: 3 things to consider as Super Falcons have one lifeline left at tournament

Previously, TheRadar reported that Nigeria’s Football Women's National Team started their Olympics campaign on the wrong foot, losing to South American football titans Brazil in an intense opener four days ago. 

Reigning world champions Spain heaped more misery on the African giants Nigeria in the second match of the tournament as the Super Falcons struggled in front of goal. The African side, however, remains positive and looks forward to their first win in 20 years since the Athens 2004 Summer Olympics as they face Japan’s Nadeshiko.