Nigeria's 11-time defending champions have made a poor start to the FIFA Women's World Cup. The Super Falcons, far from their best, were beaten by South Africa (2-1), their main rival for the continental title. This was a first setback for the Nigerians, who lost Asisat Oshoala in the battle, who went off injured after dragging her leg. The fear of a serious injury was quickly evoked, the fans hoping that it was only a blow. But the verdict is in: Nigeria will have to do without Asisat Oshoala for the rest of the tournament.
The Nigerian Football Federation says that the four-time African best player "suffered a grade 2 medial collateral ligament strain during the match against South Africa" and that "she is due to return to Spain on Thursday" to undergo further tests and receive appropriate treatment. A hard blow as Nigeria will face Botswana this Thursday, for the 2nd day of group C. The girls of Randy Waldrum must recover to hope to qualify for the quarterfinals and try to win a 5th consecutive AFCON. And the coach was counting on Asisat Oshoala, his number one attacking asset to make the difference.
It must be said that the striker was coming off a high level season with her club. The Catalan side won the league and cup double and Asisat Oshoala finished joint top scorer in the Spanish league. She arrived in Morocco full of confidence for the Africa Cup of Nations, despite the dispute over the captaincy. Her withdrawal will force Nigeria to rethink their plans for the rest of the tournament and the Super Falcons will have to find the right formula to replace her absence, which is likely to be seriously felt.
‼️Sad news from @NGSuper_Falcons camp: Top striker @AsisatOshoala is out of the ongoing #WAFCON2022. She sustained a Grade 2 Medial Collateral Ligament strain in the game against South Africa. She is due back in Spain on Thursday. Get well quick Asisat!
— The NFF 🇳🇬 (@thenff) July 6, 2022
