Asisat Oshoala: Madugu explains ex-Barcelona star’s absence from Nigeria’s squad against France

Super Falcons interim head coach Justine Madugu has shed light on why former Barcelona forward Asisat Oshoala was not included in Nigeria's squad for their international friendly against France in Angers on Saturday, Soccernet.ng reports.

Oshoala, who now plays for Bay FC in the United States, has been absent from the national team since the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Despite her recent exclusions, Madugu reiterated that the six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year remains a vital part of the team.

The 30-year-old striker was notably left out of Nigeria's last two friendly matches against Algeria and was again omitted from the 20-player roster released on Sunday for the match against Les Bleues. The squad features only seven foreign-based players, with the majority drawn from Nigeria's domestic league.

Addressing the decision, Madugu explained that Oshoala’s exclusion is not performance-related but due to unresolved documentation issues.

“Asisat Oshoala is still an integral member of the Super Falcons, an important player in the team. She has some documentation problems in the US; that’s why we didn’t invite her for this game,” Madugu told Complete Sports.

He further clarified: “Her visa and work permit have expired, and she is working to renew them. That’s the challenge she is facing at the moment.

“She cannot leave the US pending when the documents are done. She’s not invited because of a documentation problem, not because she is not good enough to still play for the team.”

The Super Falcons’ friendly against France will take place at the Stade Raymond Kopa, presenting another opportunity for Madugu to assess the depth of his squad.