Super Falcons interim head coach Justine Madugu has clarified why Nigerian forward Asisat Oshoala was excluded from the squad for their international friendly against France in Angers on Saturday.
Oshoala, now playing for Bay FC in the United States, has been absent from national team duty since the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Despite her continued absence, Madugu emphasized that the six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year remains a key player for Nigeria.
The 30-year-old striker, who missed Nigeria’s last two friendlies against Algeria, was again left out of the 20-player squad announced for the clash against Les Bleues.
The roster features seven foreign-based players, with the majority of selections coming from Nigeria’s domestic league.
Madugu attributed Oshoala’s omission to unresolved documentation issues, not her performance.
“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,” Madugu told Complete Sports.
The coach elaborated on the situation: “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 a documentation problem, not because she is not good enough to still play for the team.”
The Super Falcons’ friendly against France, set to take place at the Stade Raymond Kopa, offers Madugu another chance to evaluate his squad’s depth as they continue preparations for upcoming tournaments.
Oshoala’s situation will undoubtedly be monitored closely, with fans eager to see the star return to international action.
