HEAD coach of Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Nigeria women’s national football team, Justine Madugu has clarified his decision to omit star forward Asisat Oshoala from the squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Cameroon, insisting the move is part of broader preparations for continental success.
News Point Nigeria Sport reports that the absence of the 31-year-old striker, who has been in impressive form for Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal Women, generated widespread debate after Madugu unveiled his 25-player list for the double-header in Yaoundé.
Speaking on the controversial omission, Madugu emphasized that leaving out Oshoala was not a reflection of her importance to the national team.
“It is a friendly match, and it is important we give others the chance to show what they can do. We all know what Asisat brings to the team, but these games allow us to explore new options.
“She remains very much part of our plans,” the coach explained.
Madugu noted that the technical crew is focused on building squad depth, improving tactical flexibility, and identifying emerging talents capable of strengthening the team ahead of major tournaments.
Meanwhile, the Super Falcons camp in Yaoundé, Cameroon, has begun to take shape ahead of the two-match friendly series.
According to team Media Officer Mary Akinsola, team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, forward Gift Monday, and midfielder Christy Ucheibe are among the early arrivals.
Canada-based Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, Israel-based Glory Ogbonna, and Joy Omewa of English side Nottingham Forest Women have also joined camp.
Other players already in camp include Madrid-based Esther Onyenezide, Fatima Okolo (Abia Angels), Favour Nkwocha (FC Robo), Tanzania-based Precious Christopher, and defender Oluwatosin Demehin, who features for Turkish giants Galatasaray Women’s Football Team.
Akinsola confirmed that the team commenced training sessions at the Stade Omnisport Ahmadou Ahidjo, with more players expected to join before the first encounter.
The international friendlies will be played on Saturday and Tuesday, March 3, both at the Stade Omnisport Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaoundé.
The matches are expected to provide Madugu with a valuable opportunity to test tactical combinations, assess match fitness, and fine-tune strategies ahead of continental competition.
The friendlies form part of Nigeria’s build-up to the 13th edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), scheduled to hold from March 13 to April 3, 2026.
The stakes for the tournament are particularly high, as all four semi-finalists will secure automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
With global qualification on the line, the technical crew appears determined to build a balanced squad capable of reclaiming continental dominance while maintaining Nigeria’s strong presence on the world stage.
Madugu’s approach signals a strategic emphasis on squad rotation and long-term planning rather than short-term star reliance. While Oshoala’s absence may have surprised fans, insiders suggest the decision reflects confidence in the team’s depth and the coach’s desire to avoid over-dependence on a single player.