Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum has stated reasons why reigning Africa Women’s Footballer of the Year, Asissat Oshoala didn’t feature in Friday’s Olympic qualifier against the Bayana Bayana of South Africa, and believes his team was unfortunate not to win with a wider margin.
Captain Raheedat Ajibade’s 43rd minute penalty goal gave Nigeria a slim 1-0 victory over South Africa on Friday in their first leg Olympic qualifier at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja as both goalkeepers made saves to deny opponents from scoring.
Waldrum, during the post-match interview, said he didn’t feature Oshoala because she arrived camp late and was suffering from jet lag.
He, however, says he will assess her fitness level to decide if the Bay FC striker would feature in the reverse feature on Tuesday in Pretoria, South Africa.
”Asisat just arrived camp, and obviously and visibly, she looks tired from the long travels she had. This explains why I didn’t feature her in the game.
”I will access her fitness level to be able to decide if she will feature in the reverse fixture taking place next week in South Africa” He said.
Despite their win, Waldrum said his team was unfortunate not to convert several scoring chances in the game.
“I thought we were a bit unfortunate not to have at least two or three goals victory tonight, but I think the team played well.
“I thought we were good defensively considering we had some new players at the back as we missed players like Ashleigh Plumptre and Tosin Demehim.
“I think the back four stood very strong. I can only remember two good opportunities that they (South Africa) had.
“Overall I thought we could have controlled the game well, try to finish up with the opportunities we had.
“But the bottom line is, we have one game left, and we have to get the result,” the American tactician concluded.
Nigeria heads to the return leg at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa on Tuesday, hoping to pick a ticket to the Paris 2024 Olympics after 16 years of absence.
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