Fans question Oshoala, Abiodun exclusion from France friendly

Football enthusiasts have expressed disappointment following the exclusion of key players Asisat Oshoala and Deborah Abiodun from the Super Falcons’ squad for their upcoming international friendly against France on November 30.  

The Nigeria Football Federation unveiled a 20-woman list on Sunday, featuring five home-based players and 15 foreign-based professionals.

Notably, Saudi Arabia-based Ashleigh Plumptre makes her return after a six-month injury absence.

However, the omission of Oshoala, a star forward, and Abiodun, a rising talent, has sparked widespread debate among fans.

On the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), supporters have been vocal about their concerns, questioning the reasons behind the exclusions of such influential players from the squad.

The decision has led to further scrutiny of the team selection ahead of the crucial friendly.

Augustine @AustinL71449 lamented, “Now I see the reason why the squad list was delayed. Seems like a lot of players were unavailable from their clubs. This list is too weak, especially the forward and defence.

“I was expecting to see (Esther) Onyenezide, (Deborah) Abiodun, (Sebastian) Flourish, (Chinwendu) Ihezuo, and (Esther) Ajakaye.”

Ayo Dawson directly queried the exclusion of Barcelona striker Asisat Oshoala, writing, “Where’s Agba Baller?”

Similarly, Adejoke @Jhokzy added, “Where’s Deborah Abiodun?”

JE @Jval222 was perplexed, asking, “Where is Ajibade and Oshoala, even Deborah I can’t see, or am I not seeing well?”

His Majesty @TalmudicSage listed other absentees, stating, “Is this the full squad tho? Where are the following players: Deborah Abiodun, Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, (Halimatu) Ayinde, Gift Monday..?”

Some fans were more understanding but still critical as Gotti22 @9jaRealist speculated, “On the presumption that Deborah Abiodun is unavailable for this game (and Edo Queens players are being given a rest), it’s a decent-ish list. Good luck, ladies.” Others, like Bonaeffective @walexywalexy, kept their message simple, asking, “Where is Deborah????”

The friendly against Les Bleues is being regarded as a preparatory test for the Falcons as they gear up for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco next summer.

The match, scheduled for 9:30 pm France time at Stade Raymond Kopa in Angers, is part of Coach Justin Madugu’s efforts to rebuild the team ahead of the tournament, where Nigeria is grouped with Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana.

However, the absence of captain Rasheedat Ajibade due to injury and the glaring omission of Oshoala and Abiodun have left fans questioning Nigeria, ranked 36th in the world and the team’s strength against a formidable French side who are ranked 10th in the World.

Madugu will hope the players at his disposal can rise to the occasion and give a good account of themselves against one of Europe’s strongest teams, even as fans continue to demand answers about the absence of their favourites.