July 07, (THEWILL) – Asisat Oshoala has been forced to withdraw from the Super Falcons’ squad at the ongoing TotalEnergies 2022 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations, owing to an injury she sustained in the opening tie against South Africa, with responsibility for the unfortunate outcome on the technical crew of the team.
In that 2-1 defeat to Bayana Bayana on Monday, the prolific striker was visibly struggling after the knock she received in the seventh minute, but was left to play it out until late in the second half, resulting in what is now a Grade 2 Medial Collateral Ligament Strain.
Consequently, the Super Falcons’ medical staff declared the Barcelona star ineligible for the remainder of the match, which will deny the Nigerian team a very important contributor in the drive to shake off the effect of the loss and ensure victories for the remainder of the competition, if they are to keep hopes of a 10th continental title alive.
Oshoala, meanwhile, is set to travel to Spain on Thursday, to complete her therapy with her Catalan club, after undergoing initial tests that revealed the extent of the injury she sustained and continued to play with until the 82nd minute substitution.
At the earliest, she will be out for six weeks and is the second Barcelona player to be denied a chance to represent her country after teammate, Alexia Putellas, suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury that will keep her out of the Spanish team at the Euros. Nigeria will play Botswana on Thursday in an effort to earn their first points of the competition.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
