Despite South Africa recieving huge title favourites tag ahead of the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, Asisat Oshoala has maintained that her Nigeria is ‘not worried’ about the Banyana Banyana rivalry for the crown.
Oshoala has continued to hold her own globally since her move to Barcelona in 2019, breaking several records and amassing individual accolades, including becoming the first African woman to win Spain's pichichi award.
The South Africans overcame Nigeria twice in previous three encounters since 2018 but the Super Falcons star believes her side will not look down on any side as they eye a record-extending 10th continental crown.
"I don’t think the opening game is a decider of the tournament, and by the way, its not only South Africa we will be facing. It's a whole tournament," Oshoala told CAFOnline.com.
"We are not going to be seated talking tough about just one team [South Africa]. Obviously, they are a very strong team, a very competitive one as well. Maybe the mindset of our team and theirs may not be the same, but we have the likes of Cameroon, Morroco, and other great teams in Africa to face.
"We are just basically focused on working on ourselves and we are not so bothered about playing South Africa. When we get to the phase of playing them, we will cross it."
The four-time African Women's Player of the Year won the 2014 WAFCON best player of the tournament and two years later, emerged topscorer with six goals at the 2016 edition.
Following her previous expliots in four previous appearances, she is eager to excel in Morocco as she seek to replicate her fantastic form at Barcelona for the West African giants.
"I think its been a rollercoaster of different emotions, i’ve had good times and bad times, with injuries and all of that. It is just a mixed feeling for me this season," Oshoala continued.
"As usual, i'm in the competition mode, i'm excited, working hard for the tournament, after couple of years and after being cancelled the last time [2020], we are set for the big one again.
First of all, I think we need to understand football, talking about shifting focus and replicating the same performances, I am always ready to give 100 per cent whenever I am given the opportunity to play. I am in a positive mood going into the tournament.
"For me personally, the main goal is to qualify for the 2023 Women's World Cup, because, at the end of the day, that is all that matters and every other thing coming after or with it is just secondary. The primary aim is to qualify, of course, we want to win [WAFCON] but the main goal is to qualify for the World Cup."
The Super Falcons will face South Africa in their tournament's opening group stage match at Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat on July 4 before taking on Botswana three days later and wrapping up against Burundi on July 10.
