Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu has clarified the reason for Asisat Oshoala’s absence from the squad for the upcoming friendly games against Cameroon.
According to the coach, Oshoala remains a key member of the Super Falcons and her omission was simply to give new players an opportunity to prove themselves.
The six-time African Women’s footballer of the year winner was a surprise omission when the latest squad was unveiled last week for their friendly doubleheader against Cameroon, as they ramp up preparations for the 2026 WAFCON tournament.
- Read here: 2026 WAFCON draws in full
The first friendly will hold on February 28, with the second clash taking place on March 3, as the record WAFCON winners continue their preparations.
Nigeria have been placed in Group C alongside Zambia, Malawi and Egypt at the tournament which will hold for a third consecutive edition in Morocco from the 17th of March till the April 3.
Madugu defends Oshoala’s absence, targets World Cup spot
Madugu, who guided the Super Falcons to a record-extending 10th title in Morocco in 2025, explained why Oshoala was left out of the squad despite her impressive form for club side Al Hilal.
“It’s a friendly match, and it’s important we give others opportunity to show what they can do,” Madugu revealed.
“We all want the best for the country. We know what she (Oshoala ) can offer, so the two friendlies is an opportunity for us to see others too. It’s chance for us to see new things.
Asisat is still part of the team, and there should not be any uproar about her exclusion for the upcoming games.”
Meanwhile, the Super Falcons head coach stated that the team’s focus is defending their title and qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“The primary goal is to qualify for the World Cup which is coming up in Brazil in 2027. That will be our objective from the start. You have to get to the semi-final first which will qualify us for the World Cup,” Madugu stated.
“That’s why we said that will be our first target. The second objective is getting to the final, because you have to get to the final before you can think of retaining the trophy.
“It’s a good one (the draw) because any team that qualify to play in a tournament like the WAFCON deserves respect, and no team can be underrated considering the fact that everyone is doing what they can do develop their game”, the Super Falcons coach continued.
“A lot investments are coming in now. We can see that the standard of women’s football in Africa has grown. Now, we have players playing abroad, from different countries. You can find professionals from different countries in Africa now, unlike in the past when it used to be very few countries in West Africa.
“Now, it is a global thing. On the level of that, and the investment countries are putting into the development of women’s football, you know it is not going to be easy.
“We will be going as the defending champions, we are aware it is not going to be easy, because it used to be 12 teams, but it is now 16 teams. Now, we have to compete to retain the trophy against 15 other countries”, Madugu added.
We are quite aware of the challenges that are ahead of us, and we are getting ready for that. We know that other countries want the trophy too.
“For us, we will be going with the objective of retaining the title . You know retaining the trophy is always more difficult than when you want to win it for the first time.
“We are aware of all the challenges, and are making all our plans, getting ready to make sure our goal is achieved”, he concluded.
While Oshoala was absent, several regulars made the 25-man team for the friendly games, headlined by the likes of Rasheedat Ajibade, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Esther Okoronkwo and Chinwendu Ihezuo.
