‘Nigeria have a lot to offer’ – Asisat Oshoala reacts after stunning Australia

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria senior women’s national team forward, Asisat Oshoala believes the team has a lot to offer at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The FC Barcelona forward starred as the Super Falcons recorded a stunning 3-2 comeback win over co-host Australia in Brisbane on Thursday. Randy Waldrum’s side had to come from behind after Van Egmond had given the Matildas the lead in the additional minutes of the first half.

Uchenna Kanu equalised before the end of the first period while two goals from Osinachi Ohale and Oshoala sealed a win for the nine-time African champions.

“No one knows what this team is made of. We only had to come to the field and show ourselves with the kind of attitude and heart we have,” Oshoala said after the game.

“Like I said earlier, this team had a lot to offer and everyone in the world has seen that today.”

The Barcelona star started from the bench against the Aussies and came on as a 64th minute  replacement for Uchenna Kanu. The two-time UEFA Women’s Champions League winner netted her third goal in three consecutive tournament with her 72nd minute strike to seal the win.

“Sometimes we got to make team decisions. To be honest, I wasn’t really feeling too well. I am not a selfish person and this is what we as player has to do at the World Cup,” she noted.

“If a player is not 100% fit, then other players can step up and as you can see, other players stepped up today. For me, it doesn’t matter whether I am starting or not. The most important thing is the team’s result.

“I want to make sure that I give everything at this tournament and fight for my teammates. To also fight for his badge because this is the best country in the world,” she concluded.

With the win, the Super Falcons moved to the top of Group B with four points ahead of Canada (four points), Australia (three points), and the Republic of Ireland (zero points). Up next for the team is a final group stage clash with the Republic of Ireland at the same venue.