Asisat Oshoala’s unexpected absence from the Super Falcons’ squad for their upcoming friendly against France has raised eyebrows in the country, resulting in widespread curiosity.
Interim head coach Justine Madugu has shed light on the reason behind the six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year’s omission, revealing the unique challenge keeping the star striker sidelined, Footballrover reports.
The 30-year-old last featured for the nine-time African champions during the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Since then, she has been conspicuously absent, including missing out on a pair of friendly matches against Algeria last month.
Oshoala’s omission overshadowed by mixed form
The Super Falcons’ latest 20-player list for their clash with Les Bleues of France has further fuelled speculation, as Oshoala remains omitted.
Coach Madugu, however, has clarified that her absence has nothing to do with her abilities. Instead, administrative hurdles have left the prolific forward stuck in the United States.
“Asisat Oshoala is still an integral member of the Super Falcons, an important player in the team. She has some documentation problems in the US; that’s why we didn’t invite her for this game.”
“Her visa and work permit have expired, and she is working to renew them. That’s the challenge she is facing at the moment.
“She cannot leave the US pending when the documents are done. She’s not invited because of documentation problem, not because she is not good enough to still play for the team,” the coach said, as quoted by CompleteSports.
Although Oshoala has been a dominant force at the club level, particularly during her illustrious spell with Barcelona Ladies, her recent international performances have been less impressive.
For the Blaugurana, she netted a remarkable 92 goals in 108 league appearances.
This year, she joined Bay FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), continuing her legacy in a new league.
However, her input at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand left fans wanting more.
Oshoala managed just one goal in four matches and failed to find the net in three outings at the Olympics.
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