Oshoala, Marta vie for BBC award

Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala has been named among a list of five contenders for the maiden BBC Female Footballer of the Year

Spain's Veronica Boquete, Germany's Nadine Kessler and Scotland's Kim Little are joined by Brazilian forward Marta and Liverpool and Nigerian youngster Asisat Oshoala. 

The winner will be revealed on BBC World Service on 26 May after being decided by a public vote. 

Voting is on and closes on May 11, 

A panel of experts —including administrators, journalists, coaches and former players - decided the shortlist. 

Fans can vote online through the BBC website or by SMS. 

Mary Hockaday, Controller of BBC World Service English, said, "With anticipation building ahead of the Women's World Cup in Canada in June we're thrilled to announce the shortlist for the first BBC Women's Footballer of the Year award. 

"The five shortlisted players represent the creme de la creme of female footballers from across the globe." 

Marta, a World Cup runner-up, said, "I feel very happy to be nominated and already feel victorious just for being in the final five. It's very special because you are being judged by the public, the people who follow you." 

And Oshoala said, "I worked hard last year but I am surprised to be nominated and I feel very appreciated. This award is a very good thing for women's football. It can really help us by encouraging other countries to support their ladies more and treat them the same way they treat the men."  — BBC