Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu has explained why Esther Okoronkwo chose to shoot rather than pass to Asisat Oshoala during Nigeria’s 1-0 defeat by Cameroon in the quarter-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria were eliminated from the tournament after Cameroon secured victory in Sunday’s quarter-final, leaving the Super Falcons unable to progress to the last four.
One of the final moments of the match attracted attention when Okoronkwo found herself in a promising attacking position with Nigeria searching for an equaliser.
The forward had Oshoala available as an alternative, with the former Barcelona striker in what appeared to be a better position to attempt a finish.
Instead of playing the ball across to her team-mate, Okoronkwo attempted to take the opportunity herself. Her effort did not produce the desired outcome and the ball went away from the immediate danger, with Cameroon subsequently awarded a goal kick.
The decision came during the closing stages of the contest, when Nigeria were pressing for a goal that would have kept their hopes of reaching the semi-finals alive.
Madugu said Okoronkwo’s decision was based on her belief that she could score rather than any unwillingness to involve Oshoala in the attack.
“I am sure she [Esther] felt she could score. That was why she attempted.
“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.”
The coach acknowledged that Oshoala had been in a more favourable position and that a pass could have provided Nigeria with another opportunity to find the equaliser.
However, Madugu rejected any suggestion that the incident reflected tension or disagreement between the two players.
His comments came after Nigeria’s quarter-final campaign ended in disappointment, with Cameroon holding on to their advantage to secure a place in the next round.
The incident involving Okoronkwo and Oshoala therefore became one of the notable moments from the closing stages of the match as Nigeria attempted to recover from their deficit.
For Okoronkwo, the decision represented an attempt to take responsibility in front of goal at a crucial moment. Madugu’s explanation indicates that the forward believed she had a chance to finish the move herself, even though Oshoala was positioned to receive a pass.
The coach also made clear that the decision should not be interpreted as evidence of a breakdown in the relationship between the players.
“There is no division,” Madugu said, underlining his view that the incident was a footballing decision rather than an indication of problems within the Super Falcons camp.
Nigeria’s defeat brought their WAFCON campaign to an end at the quarter-final stage, while Cameroon advanced after protecting their lead through the closing stages.
Madugu’s comments were aimed at providing context for Okoronkwo’s choice in a decisive moment, while also dismissing suggestions that the incident pointed to a disagreement between her and Oshoala.
