Super Falcon talisman, Asisat Oshoala, has been left out of the Nigerian squad once again as head coach Justine Madugu unveils his list of 23 players for Nigeria’s upcoming double-header friendly against Cameroon.
Statistics have shown that Oshoala featured for the national team during the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, where she started two group matches under former head coach Randy Waldrum.
It has been uncovered that since then, the 30-year-old has missed back-to-back international windows, including friendlies against Algeria and France, and now faces another exclusion.
A recent report from soccernet claimed that this persistent absence raises questions about Oshoala’s future with the Super Falcons.
Statistics have shown that despite being fit and playing for Bay FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
The former Barcelona Femeni star is yet to score in her last seven appearances for the American club, which could be contributing to her omission.
The Goal report also reported that the Nigeria Football Federation has offered no official explanation, Nevertheless, the decision shows a shift in direction under Magudu, who seems to be favouring in-form talents and younger options ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco this July.
According to the report, the current squad includes experienced defenders Osinachi Ohale and Oluwatosin Demehin, and other key names like Jennifer Echegini, Deborah Abiodun, Ifeoma Onumonu, and Francisca Ordega.
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The Bay FC forward will be absent as the Super Falcons will host the Indomitable Lionesses at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne-Remo, on Saturday, 31st May, before a second leg at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta on Tuesday, 3rd June.
However, it will be pertinent to note that these matches are part of Nigeria’s preparations for the 13th edition of the WAFCON, where the nine-time champions have been drawn into Group B alongside Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana.
The Cameroon national female team, which failed to qualify for the tournament, will use the friendlies to stay competitive for future competitions.
With the six-time African Women’s Footballer, Oshoala’s continued absence and no clear indication from the coaching crew, questions are mounting on whether this is the end of the road for the Agba baller in green and white.
