Asisat Oshoala delivered another historic statement in Saudi Arabia on Thursday night, scoring a hat-trick to send Al Hilal Women into the Saudi Women’s Cup final while also establishing the highest single season goal contribution tally ever recorded by a Nigerian player in the history of the Saudi Women’s Premier League.
The six time African Women’s Player of the Year inspired Al Hilal to a commanding 5-1 victory over Al Qadsiah Women in the second leg of their semi final clash, sealing a dominant 7-2 aggregate triumph and continuing a remarkable debut campaign in Saudi football.
Oshoala’s three goals took her overall tally for the season to 23 goals and six assists in all competitions, a combined 29 goal contributions that now stands as the second highest single season total in league history and one of the greatest attacking returns by an African player since the competition began in 2022.
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Only Ibtissam Jraïdi has managed a higher tally, producing 34 goal contributions during the 2024/25 season for Al Ahli.
The Nigerian forward has now scored in four consecutive matches and recorded at least one goal contribution in each of her last six appearances, underlining the consistency that has transformed her into one of the league’s defining stars.
Carrying a narrow 2-1 advantage into the second leg, Al Hilal quickly took control with Oshoala once again leading from the front.
The striker opened the scoring in the 36th minute with a powerful right footed effort from outside the penalty area after being set up by Kheira Hamraoui.
Just two minutes later, Jéssica Silva doubled Al Hilal’s advantage after racing onto a through ball from Al Bandari Mobarak during a swift counter attack.
Ajara Nchout briefly reduced the deficit for Al Qadsiah in the 42nd minute, but Oshoala responded almost immediately, finishing another fast attacking move to restore Al Hilal’s two-goal cushion before half-time.
The former FC Barcelona Femení striker completed her hat trick in the 73rd minute with a composed finish from the left side of the area after another assist from Al Bandari Mobarak.
She remained influential until the closing moments and later won a penalty after being fouled inside the box, with Ghizlane Chebbak converting in stoppage time to complete the emphatic victory.
Al Hilal will now face either Al Ula Women or Al Nassr Women in the final as they continue their push for silverware.
