WAFCON: She Thought She Could Score — Madugu Explains Okoronkwo’s Decision to Bypass Oshoala

Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu has explained Esther Okoronkwo’s decision to shoot instead of passing to teammate Asisat Oshoala during Nigeria’s 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in the WAFCON quarter-finals.

In the closing stages of Sunday’s encounter, Okoronkwo broke into a promising attacking position with Oshoala available in a better position.

However, the forward opted to take a shot instead of passing to the former Barcelona striker, with the ball eventually going out for a goal kick.

Speaking during his post-match interview, Madugu said Okoronkwo likely believed she had a chance of scoring.

“I am sure she [Esther] felt she could score. That was why she attempted,” Madugu said.

The coach acknowledged that Okoronkwo could have passed the ball to Oshoala, who appeared to be in a better position to finish the move.

“She probably could have passed the ball to Asisat, who was in a better position to score. That is not to say there is any division. There is no division,” he added.

Nigeria’s defeat to Cameroon ended the Super Falcons’ hopes of defending their WAFCON title and qualifying automatically for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Super Falcons will now face South Africa in a play-off for a place in the inter-confederation qualifying tournament.