Oshoala in hot water: Unhappy coach vows to deal with Super Falcons star for disrespectful action vs Botswana

Super Falcons coach Justine Madugu has expressed frustration after star forward Asisat Oshoala walked off the pitch visibly upset following her substitution during Nigeria’s match against Botswana.

The incident, which occurred during the game, was not immediately noticed by Madugu but was brought to his attention afterward.

Speaking in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter) during a pre-match press conference ahead of Nigeria’s upcoming game against Algeria, Madugu addressed the issue with a firm tone.

“Discipline is a key factor, a key ingredient when you have a group of people you’re working with,” he said.

“All the while we’ve been in camp, we have tried as much as possible to emphasize that and instill that in the team. So far, we have not had any issue if not for the incident raised. Even at the time it happened, it didn’t come to my attention; it was later that my attention was drawn to that.”

Madugu made it clear that the matter will not be overlooked. “Well, I am not happy about it and it is something that we are handling internally, and certainly it’s not something that will just be wished away and it just goes like that,” he stated.

“Discipline, every player in the team is important, and so you must respect the team, your colleagues, and respect your country.”

The coach’s comments underline the importance of unity and respect within the Super Falcons squad as they prepare for the next stages of competition.

How the situation with Oshoala will be resolved remains to be seen, but Madugu’s promise signals a serious approach to maintaining team harmony and discipline.

Nigeria take on Algeria later today and Oshoala, the Bay FC, could lose her starting berth as a result of her action, with Madugu set to run some changes against the North Africans.