Nigeria's Asisat Oshoala has been crowned Women's Player of the Year at the Aiteo CAF Awards in Accra, Ghana. 

The ex Arsenal ladies star beat South Africa's Chrestina Kgatlana and Cameroon's Gabrielle Aboudi Onguene to win the award for the third time after picking up the prestigious prize in 2014 and 2016.

An emotional Asisat received the award and couldn’t hold back her tears when she recalled how critics ruled her out after her move to China.

"When I left Arsenal a lot of people said 'your career is going to be gone.' But I told myself: 'I can do this.' And here we are today.

"I want to use this opportunity to encourage all the young girls out there - don't let anyone talk you down, don't listen to people, follow your heart."

The Super Falcons star had an impressive year in her debut season in China with Dalian Quanjian. The 23 year old notched 12 goals including a brace in the final game of the season.

Her exploits earned Quanjian a league and Cup double and she was crowned the League's Best Striker.

By Daraja Mutari/Ghanaguardian.com