Nigerians bash Barcelona Femeni for using igbo in Farewell to Oshoala

Fans on social media platform X have vented their frustrations towards Barcelona Femeni after the club wished Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala farewell using what they deemed the wrong language. 

After five years with the Catalans, Oshoala decided it was time to take her trade elsewhere and sealed a transfer to NWSL expansion side Bay FC in a monumental deal for the new team in the USA. 

The Nigeria international scored 117 goals in 162 matches for Barcelona during her stay in Catalonia, helping the Blaugrana to 14 titles, including their first two UEFA Women’s Champions League trophies, four LaLiga femenina trophies, three Copas de la Reina, and four SuperCopas de Espanya Feminina titles. 

As a testament to her service to the club, Barcelona Femeni thanked Oshoala on their official social media handles including on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

The Blaugrana tried to add a personal touch to the goodbye message by adding a farewell note using one of the languages spoken in Oshoala’s native Nigeria, but botched the gesture by sending the good tidings in igbo instead of yoruba which is indigenous to the 29-year-old striker. 

Fans have taken exception to the message on behalf of Oshoala, slamming Barcelona for not doing enough diligence while sending off a legend of the club. 

Despite the gaffe in sending her off, Oshoala will always be remembered as one of the icons of Barcelona Femeni after playing a starring role in the most successful era of the Catalan club.