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Madugu Explains Oshoala’s First-Half Substitution in Super Falcons’ Win Over Egypt
Nigeria head coach Justine Madugu has explained why Asisat Oshoala was substituted before half-time during Nigeria’s emphatic 6-2 victory over Egypt at the ongoing 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
Oshoala opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 21st minute, but the six-time CAF Women’s Player of the Year was withdrawn shortly before the break, sparking concerns about a possible injury.
However, Madugu clarified after the match that the substitution was not prompted by an injury. Instead, he said the decision was made to maintain Nigeria’s high-intensity style of play.
According to the coach, Oshoala’s energy levels had begun to drop, giving Egypt an opportunity to settle defensively and enjoy more time and space at the back.
“Actually, it was not much of an injury, but we felt the energy level was dropping a little,” Madugu told reporters.
“We planned to play with a high intensity, and we felt the energy level had dropped a little, allowing the Egyptians to settle at the back.”
Madugu explained that the tactical change was necessary to sustain Nigeria’s attacking pressure and prevent Egypt from becoming comfortable defensively.
“We didn’t want them to settle so much at the back, and it was not really working the way we had expected. That forced the change that we made,” he added.
Oshoala’s goal took her tournament tally to two, following her winner in Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Zambia in their second group-stage fixture.
The former Barcelona forward has been one of Nigeria’s most decorated footballers since making her senior international debut in 2014. She has won four WAFCON titles with the Super Falcons, lifting the trophy in 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2024.
