Due to injury, Nigeria’s taliswoman, Asisat Oshoala, has been ruled out of the rest of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The news comes as a blow for the Super Falcons, who lost their opening match to South Africa, as they look to defend their title. The Barcelona star suffered a knee injury, picked up during the tie against Banyana Banyana on Monday.
According to reports, the 27-year-old sustained the injury in the early stages of the Group C clash but continued until only eight minutes were left before the game’s end.
Oshoala, crowned African Women’s Footballer of the Year four times, carried the West African country’s hopes going into the tournament.
The Falcons had hoped she would translate her club form, which saw her win Spain’s Pichichi award after notching an impressive 20 league goals for Barcelona.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed she was due to return to her club for rehabilitation on Thursday as the team continues its campaign in Morocco. She could be out for several weeks.
The ex-Arsenal and Liverpool star recently penned a new deal at the Spanish giants, which will keep her at the club until 2024. However, she has struggled with injuries in the last nine months.
The three-time AWCON winner was instrumental in the 2018 edition in Ghana, scoring three goals to help her country win their ninth. She made the list of the 30 nominees for Women’s Player of the Year for the 2021/22 season.
Meanwhile, Group C matches commence on Thursday with leaders Botswana taking on the Falcons while South Africa faces Burundi.
