Why Asisat Oshoala Was Dropped Out of Super Falcons Squad Against France

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Nigeria’s Super Falcons will face France on Saturday, November 30, without star forward Asisat Oshoala, who has been excluded from the squad due to logistical issues surrounding her visa renewal in the United States.

The 29-year-old, who led Bay FC to the NWSL playoffs this year, has been unable to join the squad as she addresses her documentation, confirmed interim head coach Justin Madugu.

“Unfortunately, her (USA) visa and work permit expired and she is in the process of renewing them. Until these are finalized, she is unable to join us for the friendly in France,” Madugu explained.

“Asisat Oshoala remains an integral part of the Super Falcons and an invaluable player in our squad,” Madugu added. “Her absence is purely due to logistical reasons and not a reflection of her talent or importance to the team.”

Oshoala is expected to rejoin the squad once her visa and work permit issues are resolved. “Asisat’s contribution to the team is immense and we look forward to welcoming her back once her situation is sorted,” Madugu said.

In another blow to the Falcons, captain Rasheedat Ajibade will also miss the friendly due to injury.

However, there are several welcome returns to the squad, including defender Ashleigh Plumptre, who has been recalled after six months out due to foot surgery.

Plumptre returns is after missing out on Nigeria’s Olympic Games campaign earlier this year.

Also back are Michele Alozie (Houston Dash), Toni Payne (Everton Ladies), Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier FC), and Juventus’ Jennifer Echegini.

These players missed last month’s friendlies against Algeria, but are now fully fit and ready to contribute.

Nigeria’s squad for the France game also features new faces, with two players from this year’s U-20 Women’s World Cup — Rafiat Imuran and Shukurat Oladipo — earning their first call-ups to the senior team.

Additionally, goalkeeper Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels) and defenders Adoo Yina, Sikiratu Isah, and Rachael Unachukwu (all of Nasarawa Amazons) join the squad.

This match against the French side is part of Nigeria’s broader preparation for next year’s 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, where the Super Falcons have been drawn in a tough group alongside Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana.

Les Bleues, on the other hand, are using the game as a warm-up for the upcoming UEFA Women’s Nations League and the 2025 European Championship.

Super Falcons Squad for France Friendly:

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France), Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels), Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)

Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca, Mexico), Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA), Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia), Rofiat Imuran (London City Lionesses, England), Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons), Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray, Turkey)

Midfielders: Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint-Germain, France), Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England), Josephine Mathias (Nasarawa Amazons), Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal), Shukurat Oladipo (FC Robo Queens), Adoo Yina (Nasarawa Amazons)

Forwards: Blessing Nkor (Pyramids FC, Egypt), Gift Monday (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain), Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier FC, France), Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain), Mercy Omokwo (Bayelsa Queens)