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.