Nigeria’s Oshoala Named In BBC Women's Footballer Of The Year Nominations

Five female players are in contention for the inaugural edition of the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year award.

They are Spain's Veronica Boquete, Germany's Nadine Kessler and Scotland's Kim Little, Brazilian forward Marta and Liverpool and Nigerian youngster, Asisat Oshoala. The winner will be revealed on BBC World Service on May 26, 2015, after being decided by a public vote. Voting is open now 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.

To vote for BBC Women's Footballer of the Year 2015 by SMS, text the number of the player you wish to vote for to +44 7786 20 20 04. Text 1 for Veronica Boquete, 2 for Nadine Kessler, 3 for Kim Little, 4 for Marta and 5 for Asisat Oshoala.

Reacting to her nomination, Nigeria’s Super Falcons Asisat 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”.

Meanwhile, 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."