Oshoala Dismisses Retirement Rumors

Super Falcons and Bay FC forward Asisat Oshoala has quelled talks about her retirement from the Nigerian National team.

The 30-year-old scored Nigeria’s first goal at the WAFCON 2024 tournament in Morocco, and started the next game as well, but subsequently came on from the bench in the remaining fixtures.

During the competition, news came out about the decision of the ex-Barcelona striker to exit the Super Falcons, but she maintained that the speculations were fake. She then went on her Instagram story to confirm the stories are false.

The six-time African Player of the Year came on for Folashade Ijamilusi in the 78th minute against Morocco last night, just before Jennifer Echegini’s late winner.

She addressed the retirement talks before the press for the first time after winning her fourth Africa Women’s Championship title.

“To be honest with you, I’m always ready. I always tell my girls to stay ready, and I do the same,” Oshoala told Channels TV.

“You can be called on at any time, and when you get called on, go out there and show yourself.

“I don’t know where the retirement talks came from, but people will always speak. I get it, so I’m not bothered.

“I’m still here, I’m still playing, I’m still doing my job, and that’s what I’m focused on.”

Quizzed about which of her four WAFCON triumphs has harboured the most emotions, she mentioned the comeback against Morocco makes the 2024 edition stand out.

“I think this one is the most exciting one we’ve won. Mission X, the comeback was incredible,” the former Arsenal forward concluded.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will welcome Oshoala, alongside the rest of her Super Falcons teammates, as they go on the trophy parade tomorrow.

Soccernet.ng