Super Falcons striker Asisat Oshoala will now miss the remainder of the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The 27-year-old Oshoala went off injured as the Super Falcons of Nigeria suffered a 1-2 loss to the Bayana Bayana of South Africa in their opening group game on Monday.
Oshoala sustained an injury in the first half of that encounter but managed to continue the game. However, when she went down on her own in the 82nd minute, she was replaced by CSKA Moscow star Francisca Ordega.
Super Falcons boss Randy Waldrum, while speaking after the match, was hopeful the star forward would recover and continue to feature in the tournament but has now been ruled out.
On Wednesday, July 6, the Amaju Pinnick-led Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed the status of Oshoala for the rest of the tournament.
In the statement made available by the governing body, Oshoala will not continue at the WAFCON and will go back to her club Barcelona Femeni in Spain to start her recovery.
The statement by the NFF said, “Sad news from @NGSuper_Falcons camp: Top striker @AsisatOshoala is out of the ongoing #WAFCON2022.”
“She sustained a Grade 2 Medial Collateral Ligament strain in the game against South Africa. She is due back in Spain on Thursday. Get well quick Asisat!”
The Super Falcons will now focus on their must-win game against Botswana at the 2022 WAFCON scheduled to take place on Thursday, July 7, 2022.
What are Nigeria's chances with the latest on Oshoala?
No doubt, Oshoala is Nigeria's biggest player and would be missed for the rest of the tournament.
Although, she's been on a poor run of form for the Super Falcons as she's yet to score in recent matches. But her contributions at this tournament can't be overemphasized.
The Barcelona star has scored 13 goals in her past three WAFCON tournaments and her absence could be felt upfront.
On the flip side, the African champions still have enough firepower to bounce back in the tournament. Rasheedat Ajibade, who got Nigeria’s consolation goal, could be a key player for the side going forward.
NWFL Premiership best player and golden boot winner Monday Gift could be given a chance with the Barcelona star’s blow.
This article was most recently revised and updated 2 years ago
