Oshoala Surprises Childhood Coach With a Brand New Toyota Highlander

PHOTOS: Oshoala gifts childhood coach Toyota Highlander.

Super Falcons forward Asisat Oshoala has rewarded the grassroots coach who helped launch her football career with a brand-new Toyota Highlander, nearly two decades after he nurtured her talent.

The six-time African Women's Footballer of the Year presented the vehicle to Emmanuel Osahon Orobosa, founder and head coach of FC Robo International, in recognition of his contribution to her development.

FC Robo disclosed the gesture in a statement on Thursday.

The club recalled how Orobosa supported Oshoala when she joined the club as a teenager in 2009.

“Your presentation of a Toyota Highlander to Coach Osahon is a beautiful demonstration of gratitude and a reminder that you have not forgotten the people who played important roles in your journey,” the statement said.

It added that Orobosa provided guidance and support when Oshoala was still developing her football abilities and facing challenges in pursuing a professional career.

A video of the presentation captured the emotional moment.

Osahon, dressed in his sportswear, approached his newly acquired vehicle, entered the car and inspected its interior.

Overwhelmed by the unexpected recognition, he could barely contain his appreciation.

“Agba baller, you are blessed, you are a blessing. I thank you. I can’t thank you enough. You are too much,” the emotional coach declared.

His brief but powerful words reflected the depth of his gratitude to a player who has never forgotten the foundation of her remarkable football journey.

FC Robo also recalled the forward's previous contributions to the club.

She donated a bus to the club during her early years in Europe.

“Such acts of kindness go beyond material value; they reflect loyalty, gratitude and a lasting connection to your roots,” the club said.

Orobosa played an important role in helping Oshoala convince her parents to allow her to pursue football, despite their initial preference for her to concentrate on education.

In a 2023 interview with BBC Sport, the forward revealed that her parents initially opposed her sporting ambitions, while her grandmother encouraged her.

“My parents didn't want me to play sports at all and sometimes there were big fights at home. I had to run to my grandmother's house to escape trouble,” she said.

Oshoala began her organised football career at FC Robo in 2009, aged 15.

She moved to Rivers Angels in 2013.

Her performances earned her a move to Liverpool in 2015.

She subsequently played for Arsenal, Dalian Quanjian and Barcelona.

At Barcelona, she won several titles, including the UEFA Women's Champions League.

She joined American side Bay FC in 2024.

She moved to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal in September 2025.

At international level, Oshoala has represented Nigeria at several FIFA Women's World Cups.

For Osahon, the gift comes at an especially memorable moment.

Five players from his FC Robo academy are representing Nigeria at the ongoing 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco.

Three of those players have reportedly received Player of the Match recognition at different stages of the competition.

The Flamingos have also made history by reaching their first-ever World Cup final.

They secured a stunning 3-1 semi-final victory over Brazil on Wednesday.

The combination of Nigeria's World Cup success and Oshoala's extraordinary gesture makes this an unforgettable period for the respected grassroots football developer.

Osahon's influence extends beyond the current Flamingos squad.

His academy played an important role in the early development of Oshoala, Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Nigerian international Gift Monday.

From nurturing young girls on modest training grounds to watching them represent Nigeria on the biggest international stages, the FC Robo founder has dedicated years to discovering and developing football talent.

Oshoala's latest gesture reinforces her reputation for remembering her roots and supporting those who contributed to her success.