Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum reveals why he benched Oshoala for Okoronkwo against Cameroon
Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum made the decision to leave Asisat Oshoala on the bench during Nigeria’s recent game against Cameroon for Esther Okoronkwo.
Oshoala, a six-time CAF Player of the Year, has often faced criticism for not delivering in crucial moments formthe Super Falcons of Nigeria despite her star status.
This decision came on the heels of a drab performance from the Super Falcons in the first-leg of their Olympic qualifier against Cameroon, leading to a shake-up by Waldrum for the second leg in Abuja.
Oshoala’s absence from the starting lineup in Monday’s game was not due to a tactical rethink but was part of Waldrum’s strategy to field what he believed was the “best eleven for the day.”
The move to bench Oshoala in favor of Esther Okoronkwo, who scored the winning goal, underscores Waldrum’s confidence in the depth and versatility of his squad.
Despite the high stakes and the pressure to perform, Waldrum’s gamble paid off, as Esther Okoronkwo scored the match-winner to lead the Super Falcons to a crucial 1-0 victory.
“I think we put out what we thought was the best eleven for the day to start the match. But we are fully confident of every player, we had some players that didn’t get minutes but are fully capable of helping us,” Waldrum explained, per Modo Victor, highlighting his trust in the team’s collective strength over individual star power.
Nigeria will now face the winner of the South Africa Vs Tanzania clash for a ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympic games.
