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Randy Waldrum explains reason for benching Asisat Oshoala against Cameroon

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Randy Waldrum explains reason for benching Asisat Oshoala against Cameroon

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Head coach of Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, Randy Waldrum has defended his decision to bench star player, Asisat Oshoala during the team’s 1-0 win over Cameroon in Paris 2024 Olympics Qualifiers on Monday.

The former Barcelona star started the first leg in Douala on February 23 but her presence failed to gift the Super Falcons any goal as the nine-time African champions were forced to a drab 0-0 draw.

However, the American tactician replaced Bay FC forward with Esther Okoronkwo, who eventually scored the winning goal for the Super Falcons in the return leg of the third round clash in Abuja.

When queried on his reason for benching Oshoala, Waldrum said, “I think we put out what we thought was the best eleven for the day to start the match.

“But we are fully confident of every player, we had some players that didn’t get minutes but are fully capable of helping us,” per Modo Victor.

The reigning African Women’s Player of the Year has come under criticism for scoring for her former team, FC Barcelona, and failing to turn up with goals for the Super Falcons during important games.

She only started two of her four games at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup scoring a goal during the team’s 3-2 win over co-host Australia.

With the team facing African champions, South Africa in the fourth and final round of the Olympics Qualifiers in April, Waldrum will have to define the role to be played by Oshoala in the squad.

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Oluwaseun Oyediji
Oluwaseun Babatunde Oyediji is a multi-media sports journalist with over 10 years experience in Information Communication Technology (ICT), women's football, and beach soccer reportage.The prolific writer is the Media Assistant to Nigeria Beach Soccer League and Africa Beach Soccer Union as well as contributor on Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) website.He has covered multiple national and international football tournaments including Championship of African Nations (CHAN 2020), CAF Women's Champions League (2023), and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023).Since 2021, Oyediji has covered the NWFL Premiership especially the season ending Super Six Playoffs.A member of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ogun state chapter is also the image maker of the Remo Sports Development Council under the leadership of Chief Falilat Ogunkoya and David Osuolale.
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