Debut for Grace, Goal for Gift & Wahala for Agba Baller
Spotlight on Grace, Gift, and a system that still doesn’t know what to do with Asisat
Hi, Boston — it's Marathon Monday, the 129th Boston Marathon to be precise.
My personal race this morning? Wrapping up the third blog for The African Wave in the NWSL. This week’s entry brings snapshots from Zambia and Nigeria, and a few exciting debuts that made me smile. But the main course? A deep dive into arguably the greatest African player of all time — Asisat Oshoala, who is off to a surprisingly disappointing start this season.
That said, Seb Hines finally gave Grace Chanda her long-awaited debut minutes — a moment that brought me some joy.
Grace Chanda’s Long-Awaited Debut
I was originally going to start this post with: “Seb Hines, why did you even sign Grace Chanda?” But then, in the 84th minute, the Zambian international — who joined Orlando Pride in May 2024 — finally stepped onto the pitch for her first NWSL minutes.
Now, the question is: will Seb give Chanda more minutes going forward? She could be a dynamic sub, especially when Marta needs a breather. Given her national team chemistry with Barbra Banda and Prisca Chilufya, it’s time Hines explores what a Zambian trident could do in this league.
Zambia’s Absences: Political Tensions and Safety Concerns
Speaking of Zambia — during the recent international break, the national team made a bold decision not to fly out four key players: Barbra Banda, Racheal Kundananji, Prisca Chilufya, and Grace Chanda. They missed the Yongchuan International Tournament amid ongoing trade, geopolitical tensions, and visa complications between the U.S. and other countries.
With input from the Zambian Federation, Bay FC, Orlando Pride, and the players themselves, the decision centered on safety. It raises important questions about how international players will be affected as we approach the European, Asian, and African tournaments in 2026.
Gifted Goal for Nigeria’s Monday
A small but mighty bright spot for Washington Spirit this week — amid the devastating injury news about Trinity Rodman — was the debut goal by Nigerian forward Gift Monday.
In her first NWSL start, Gift capitalized on a high press, forcing Orlando Pride’s keeper Anna Moorhouse into a mistake, and slotted home her first goal. It was a classic poacher’s finish and a lovely early Easter Sunday gift for Spirit fans.
Also worth noting: Rose Kouassi, the Ivorian winger who shined in the 2024 playoffs, quietly made her season debut.
Main Dish: What’s Going On With Asisat Oshoala?
Five games into the season and Bay FC — and more specifically Asisat Oshoala — are not looking right.
Whether it's fitness, form, or tactics, Oshoala looks far from her usual self. She's been deployed both as a central midfielder and forward, but the stats are worrying: just two shots and two successful dribbles in four games. She's only completed 90 minutes once.
Oshoala’s strengths — her smart off-ball runs, pace, and ability to attack space — thrived when she had a midfield behind her controlling the tempo (think Barcelona). In contrast, this Bay FC side struggles in midfield, leaving her isolated and constantly chasing shadows in a high-press system that doesn’t play to her strengths.
Is it a tactical mismatch? A lack of fitness? Or just early-season rust? Either way, Bay FC — and Oshoala — need answers, fast.
→ View Oshoala’s full match logs on FBRef
Side Dish: Ghana’s Stella Nyamekye Makes Her NWSL Debut
Nineteen-year-old Stella Nyamekye made her debut for Gotham FC in a dominant 4–0 win over a poor Angel City side. She only got seven minutes, but it’s a sign that coach Juan Carlos Amorós is slowly integrating her into the squad. Definitely one to watch.
Question For Readers:
If you could attend any NWSL game this season, which one would you choose — and why? Let me know in the comments or drop me a message. I'm curious where your eyes and heart would take you.
KC vs Orlando it's gonna be a dog fight