Why Nigeria’s greatest ever player will miss Super Falcons vs Cameroon

Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has explained why star striker Asisat Oshoala was left out of Nigeria’s squad for next month’s international friendlies against Cameroon, Afrik-Foot reports.

Nigeria will face the Indomitable Lionesses in two friendly matches as part of preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

When Madugu released his 25-player squad, Oshoala’s absence quickly became the biggest talking point, especially considering her impressive performances for Saudi club Al-Hilal Women FC.

The 31-year-old forward, the only player to have won the African Women’s Footballer of the Year six times, was not selected, but the coach insists the decision is purely tactical and not disciplinary.

“It’s a friendly match, and it’s important we give others the opportunity to show what they can do,” Madugu told Complete Sports.

“We know what Asisat can offer. These two games give us the chance to evaluate new options and explore different tactical approaches.

“She is still very much part of the team, and there should not be any uproar about her exclusion.”

Oshoala is the first African woman to win the Primera División’s Pichichi Trophy, the first to be nominated to the Ballon d’Or Féminin and the first to win the UEFA Champions League three times.

Super Falcons focus shifts to WAFCON, World Cup qualification

After the Cameroon friendlies, Nigeria’s attention will turn to Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 in Morocco, where the Super Falcons will aim to win a record-extending 11th continental title.

Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside Malawi, Zambia and Egypt, and Madugu believes the competition will be tougher than ever due to the growth of women’s football across Africa.

“Any team that qualifies for WAFCON deserves respect. No side can be underestimated,” he said.

“There is significant investment in women’s football across Africa, and the standard has improved considerably. Players are now competing professionally across different leagues worldwide.

“It will not be easy. We are the defending champions, and retaining a title is always more difficult than winning it for the first time. We now have to compete against 15 other countries.”

Beyond continental success, Nigeria’s major objective is qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The four semi-finalists at WAFCON will automatically secure World Cup tickets.

“Our first target is to reach the semi-final, which guarantees World Cup qualification,” Madugu stated. “After that, the focus shifts to reaching the final, because you must get to the final before you can think about retaining the trophy.

“We understand the challenges ahead and we are preparing thoroughly to achieve our objectives.”

The tournament will again be hosted in Morocco, the third consecutive edition held in the country, as Nigeria look to defend the crown they won after defeating the hosts 3–2 in the 2024 final in Rabat.