Record African Women’s Player of the Year, Asisat Oshoala was unfit to start Super Falcons’ shocking win over Australia in matchday two of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
She came on in the 64th minute for Uchenna Kanu and went on to score the third goal for Nigeria.
This has led to the belief by some that the Barcelona Femeni forward could be better coming off the bench against the Republic of Ireland on Monday.
While it is easy to look at it from the angle that a fit Oshoala would be devastating against a tiring team, it leaves much to be desired.
Undoubtedly, the Super Falcons are on the verge of qualifying for the knockout phases for the third time in their history in the FIFA Women’s World Cup but nothing should be left to chance.
This means Randy Waldrum must do his possible best to secure the maximum points against the Ireland ladies. Bringing on our best player against any team is a gamble not to talk of a team that is supposedly better than us based on FIFA ranking.
The most logical thing to do is for Waldrum to start the Barcelona forward, Rashidat Ajibade, and Ifeoma Onumonu together to further boost his team’s chances of qualifying for the next round
In addition, starting the trio will also allow us to see how those three play together for the first time in the competition and build a chemistry between them.
In conclusion, with Oshoala now brimming with confidence, she has to be restored to the starting XI and help Nigeria qualify for the round of 16 and possibly go beyond.
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