With debate raging over the composition of the Super Falcons squad for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), head coach Justin Madugu has explained some of his more controversial decisions.
One of the main talking points is the exclusion of striker Gift Monday, who has been in strong form for WSL side Washington Spirit, with her place seeming to go to University of Connecticut’s Chioma Okafor.
Asisat Oshoala, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Francisca Ordega, Ifeoma Onumonu, Esther Okoronkow, Folashade Ijamilusi and Rinsola Babajide make up the rest of the Super Falcons' forward roster.
‘It’s the person’s luck’ – Super Falcons coach Madugu
Pressed on the rationale behind his selection of Okafor, a college athlete, over a player in the highest tier of American women’s football, Madugu highlighted the role of providence in decision-making.
“We have been looking at her (Okafor), watching a lot of her tapes, even in college,” he told Football Temple. “There are players you go to competitions with that serve more or less as jokers – nobody knows anything about them.
“All the [others], people know a lot about them, but when you have one or two that will serve as a surprise for the team… depending on how you utilise the person, and you get the best out of them. And sometimes, players can come around like that, through divine intervention… it's the person's luck that the person is there.”
The nine-time African champions kick off their quest for a tenth crown on July 6 against Tunisia.
