China-based female soccer star, Asisat Oshoala has admitted she was hit with several personal shocks during the recent 2018 African Women Cup of Nations in Ghana.
Footballlive.ng can report that the Dalaian Quanjian of China attacker-cum-winger was also surprised that she was not named in the starting line-up for the AWCON 2018 all-stars’ squad.
Although the former Arsenal and Liverpool Ladies of England star admitted she was relieved that the Falcons still won the competition, she was surprised to score in only one match out of five.
Oshoala confessed further that she was alarmed that she could not score in two matches against South Africa, as well as the third group match against Zambia and semi-final against Cameroon.
The three-time African Women Footballer of The Year also admitted it was a surprise that the Falcons had to rely on penalties to win both their semi-final clash with Cameroon and the final against South Africa, during which she also missed from the spot in regulation time.
Above all, the former Rivers Angels of Port Harcourt and FC Robo of Lagos star accepted that AWCON 2018 was an eye opener for Nigeria.
She recounted that the players and coaches found out that every other country is catching up very fast and the Falcons will have to work harder to do better in subsequent competitions.
Oshoala stressed: “I can’t believe myself not scoring a single goal against South Africa and Cameroon for a duration of 90 minutes.
“I was also shocked that I was not listed for the best Africa eleven of the tournament. I need to work harder.
“The team will also have to work harder, because we had to rely on penalties to win the trophy.
“Well, I thank God that we are still the African champions, but I know is going to be tough at the World Cup.
“But, one good thing is that most of the players we are going to meet at the world stage are our team mates at club level.
“With prayers, we will get to the semi final. We have experienced players and playing outside Nigeria has equally improved our games.”
