- Asisat Oshoala will miss Nigeria's friendly against France due to visa and work permit renewal in the United States
- Super Falcons interim coach Justin Madugu emphasised that Oshoala's absence is purely logistical and not related to her importance to the team
- The squad sees the return of key players like Ashleigh Plumptre and Toni Payne, along with new talent
The Super Falcons of Nigeria will be without their star forward, Asisat Oshoala, when they face France in an international friendly on Saturday, November 30.
Interim head coach Justin Madugu clarified that the absence of the Bay FC forward was due to logistical issues and not a reflection of her value to the team.
Madugu explained that Oshoala, a key figure for Nigeria Falcons, is currently in the United States addressing visa and work permit renewals,
“Asisat Oshoala remains an integral part of the Super Falcons and an invaluable player in our squad, her absence is purely due to logistical reasons and not a reflection of her talent or importance to the team.
“Unfortunately, her visa and work permit expired, and she is in the process of renewing them,” he stated.
Oshoala’s contributions have been immense, most recently helping her club, Bay FC, reach the NWSL playoffs, where they were eliminated by Washington Spirit. Despite this setback, Madugu reassured fans that Oshoala’s absence is temporary,
“Asisat’s contribution to the team is immense, and we look forward to welcoming her back once her situation is sorted,” he added.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade is another notable absentee from the squad, sidelined due to injury. However, there is good news for the Falcons as key players return to bolster the team.
Defender Ashleigh Plumptre, who recently recovered from a six-month injury, has been recalled. Plumptre also made her comeback in October, helping Al-Ittihad secure a 1-0 victory over Al-Ula.
Other returning players include Michele Alozie of Houston Dash, Toni Payne from Everton Ladies, Montpellier FC’s Ifeoma Onumonu, and Juventus forward Jennifer Echegini.
In addition to these experienced players, the Super Falcons are using the friendly to integrate fresh talent, including FIFA U-20 World Cup participants Rafiat Imuran and Shukurat Oladipo.
The squad also features new faces from the Nigeria domestic league, including goalkeeper Anderline Mgbechi of Rivers Angels, and Nasarawa Amazons trio Adoo Yina, Sikiratu Isah, and Rachael Unachukwu.
The friendly against France is a key test for both teams as they prepare for major tournaments in 2025.
While Les Bleues are gearing up for the UEFA Women’s Championship and League of Nations, the Super Falcons are focused on fine-tuning their squad ahead of the Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco next year.
Waldrum resigns after 4-year stint with Super Falcons, cites important reasons
Previously, TheRadar reported that Randy Waldrum, head coach of the Super Falcons, tendered his resignation to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Having guided the Nigerian women’s national football team since 2020, Waldrum’s exit comes just after leading the team to a round of 16 finish at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and a recent appearance at the 2024 Olympic Games.
