Asisat Oshoala missed the first leg of the Super Falcons' final Olympic qualifier against Banyana Banyana on Friday at the MKO Abiola Stadium.
Rasheedat Ajibade scored the only goal of the game from the spot in the 42nd minute after Chinwendu Ihezuou was brought down in the box.
The absence of the reigning African Women's Footballer of the Year from the Super Falcons lineup during their final Olympic qualifier against Banyana Banyana sparked discussions among Nigerian football enthusiasts.
Randy Waldrum, the Super Falcons manager has since revealed reasons why the former Bayelsa Queens' forward didn't feature in last Friday's game. Waldrum stated that he dropped Oshoala because she arrived in camp late and was suffering from jet lag.
It is worth mentioning that the 29-year-old arrived in camp a day before the Olympic qualifying game.
Waldrum's statement on Oshoala
In response to inquiries about Oshoala's absence, the American trainer explained, “Asisat just arrived in camp obviously and visibly tired from the long travels she had. This explains why I didn’t feature her in the game.”
Waldrum further stated, “I will assess her fitness level to be able to decide if she will feature in the reverse fixture in South Africa next week.”
The two teams now take their battle to Loftus Versfeld Stadium for the second-leg encounter slated for Tuesday 9th April, 2024.
The winner of that encounter will gain one of Africa's two slots to the Olympics and will join Group C according to the draw outcomes.
Group C is home to the reigning world champions Spain, along with two-time Olympic silver medalists Brazil and London 2012 silver medalists Japan.
Can the Super Falcons rely on Oshoala against South Africa?
As the Super Falcons prepare for their upcoming fixture against South Africa, a critical question looms: can the team rely on Asisat Oshoala to deliver the goals needed for victory?
With an impressive record of 37 goals in 61 appearances for the Super Falcons, Oshoala has established herself as a key figure in Nigerian women's football.
However, her recent absence from the squad due to travel and fitness concerns has raised doubts about her readiness to lead the frontline against formidable opponents like Banyana Banyana.
Oshoala's scoring prowess is undeniable. Her ability to find the back of the net with consistency has been instrumental in securing crucial wins for the Super Falcons in past encounters.
With her speed, agility, and clinical finishing, she poses a constant threat to opposing defenses and can turn the tide of a match in an instant.
However, Oshoala's effectiveness against South Africa will depend on her fitness and form leading up to the game. While her track record suggests that she is more than capable of delivering goals when called upon, her recent late arrival to camp and concerns about jet lag raise questions about her readiness to perform at her peak.
Banyana Banyana boast a talented squad with strong defensive capabilities, making it imperative for Nigeria to field their best attacking lineup to break down their opponents' resistance.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding Oshoala's availability and fitness, her experience and scoring ability make her a valuable asset for the Super Falcons.
If she can overcome any lingering effects of travel and regain full match fitness, Oshoala has the potential to lead Nigeria to victory against South Africa and secure one of Africa's two tickets for the Olympic Games in Paris.
