Nigeria Vs Cameroon: Why I left out Oshoala from Super Falcons squad – Madugu

Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has provided a detailed explanation for his decision to leave out star forward Asisat Oshoala from the squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Cameroon women’s national football team, clarifying that the move is strategic rather than disciplinary or performance-related.

Madugu explained that Oshoala’s absence is not a reflection of her form, fitness, or value to the team. Instead, he described it as a deliberate decision aimed at giving other players the opportunity to prove themselves ahead of major competitions, particularly the forthcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

According to the coach, friendly matches offer a unique platform to experiment with new combinations, assess fringe players, and test tactical variations without the pressure of competitive tournaments. With Oshoala already an established and experienced figure in the squad, Madugu said he is confident about what she brings to the team and sees no immediate need to evaluate her during preparatory fixtures.

The 31-year-old striker has been in impressive form for her Saudi Arabian club, but the technical crew believes these matches are better used to widen the team’s attacking options. Madugu stressed that building squad depth is crucial if Nigeria hopes to reclaim continental dominance, noting that relying heavily on a few regular starters could be risky in a long tournament.

He further emphasized that Oshoala remains a key part of his long-term plans and will continue to play an important role as the team prepares for WAFCON. Her omission, he reiterated, should not be misinterpreted as a fallout or a loss of confidence.

The coach added that competition within the squad is healthy and necessary. By giving other forwards and emerging talents a chance to shine against Cameroon, the technical team hopes to identify reliable alternatives who can step up when needed.

Ultimately, Madugu maintained that the decision is about strengthening the overall balance of the team, managing player workload, and ensuring that the Super Falcons are fully prepared to challenge strongly for WAFCON glory.