Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has clarified his decision to omit Asisat Oshoala from Nigeria’s squad for the forthcoming international friendlies against Cameroon.
The exclusion of the 31-year-old forward from the 25-player list announced last week generated debate among supporters, particularly given her recent performances for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia.
Speaking on the matter, Madugu explained that the decision was strategic rather than disciplinary or performance-based. According to him, the double-header provides an opportunity to assess other players and broaden the team’s options ahead of future competitions.
He emphasised that Oshoala remains an integral part of the national team setup, noting that her qualities and experience are well established.
The coach added that friendly matches offer the technical crew a platform to experiment and evaluate emerging talents, while maintaining long-term plans for established stars within the squad.
