Nigerian striker Blessing Nkor has credited Super Falcons stars Asisat Oshoala and Rasheedat Ajibade as major influences in her football career. Currently playing for Deportivo La Coruña’s women’s team in Spain, the 21 year old how watching her two role models has shaped her style of play and ambitions.
"Asisat and Rasheedat are exceptional players and role models to me," Nkor told journalist Shina Oludare. "I look up to them and try to learn from their style of play. It’s always good to learn from the best."
Nkor, who played in Nigeria’s 2-1 friendly loss to France last year, joined Deportivo on a short-term deal from Turkish outfit Gaziantep Asya Spor, where she netted 12 goals last season. Her journey also includes spells with Sunshine Queens in Nigeria and Yanga Princesses in Tanzania.
Having already featured at youth international level, the striker has set her sights on becoming a regular in the senior Super Falcons squad, following the paths of her heroes. With strong performances in Spain, she hopes to take the next leap in her career and establish herself on the global stage.
Editorial
The evolution of Nigerian women’s football is not just being written by established stars like Asisat Oshoala and Rasheedat Ajibade it is also being fuelled by the rising generation, and Blessing Nkor is one of the brightest lights in that group. Her journey is a beautiful reminder of what role models can spark, and how inspiration, when matched with hard work, becomes a catalyst for success.
Nkor’s respect for her idols speaks volumes. In a sport that often places ego over growth, her humility is refreshing. But make no mistake—this is a player with her own unique strengths. Scoring 12 goals in a competitive Turkish league, then making the leap to Spain’s top tier, shows resilience and raw talent.
What we admire most, however, is her clarity of purpose. She doesn’t just want to play she wants to learn, evolve, and make her mark with the Super Falcons. And if her development continues at this rate, it’s only a matter of time before we see her at the heart of Nigeria’s attack on the continental and global stage.
Women’s football in Nigeria is stronger when players like Nkor are given the platform and support to thrive. The blueprint is there—Oshoala and Ajibade laid it. Now it’s time for Nkor to run with it.
Did You Know?
Blessing Nkor scored a hat-trick in her debut season with Sunshine Queens in the Nigeria Women Football League.
Deportivo La Coruña’s women’s team, Dépor ABANCA, has previously competed in Spain’s Primera División Femenina, one of Europe’s top leagues.
Asisat Oshoala is the only African female footballer to win the UEFA Women’s Champions League (with Barcelona in 2021).
Rasheedat Ajibade wears the number 10 shirt for Atlético Madrid Femenino and is known for her signature blue-dyed hair.
Nkor began her football training in Makurdi, Benue State, and was discovered at a regional youth competition at the age of 14.
