Oshoala remains Super Falcons’ star

Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, board member, Aisha Falode has debunked reports that Super Falcons star striker, Asisat Oshoala, has retired from international football.

Falode, who spoke with THISDAY shortly before Nigeria’s Super Falcons secured a historic win against South Africa in the semi-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON, said the Facebook page that carried the retirement announcement was “cloned” and did not belong to Oshoala.

“Asisat Oshoala has not spoken with any journalist on any plan to quit the national team. That Facebook account was cloned for whatever purpose,” Falode said.

The initial report, which gained traction across social media platforms on Tuesday, quoted a message from what appeared to be Oshoala’s verified Facebook account. The post stated her intention to retire after the WAFCON tournament, describing it as her “legendary exit.”

It was also reported by Freedom Online, lending the rumour credibility and prompting widespread reactions from fans and commentators across Africa.

However, Falode dismissed the announcement as fake and warned against weaponizing misinformation to pressure or distract players.

“For a player that has given her best time to the senior national team, she does not deserve to be treated this way for whatever reason,” she said.
“Anyone wanting her out of the Super Falcons should not resort to this shameful tactic.”

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In a humorous twist, Oshoala herself appeared to confirm the falsity of the news by posting a meme of a man restraining a bull, with a caption:
“The day I catch that journalist… Ogun kill am.”
The playful but pointed response underlines her frustration with the spread of unverified news.

The rumour had initially stemmed from a post that stated Oshoala would bow out from the national team after the ongoing WAFCON tournament, citing her age (30), numerous achievements—including six African Women’s Footballer of the Year awards—and a desire to pave the way for younger players. While that narrative fits the arc of a respected veteran stepping down, the NFF insists no official confirmation has been made.

Oshoala is currently leading the Super Falcons’ charge at WAFCON 2024, where Nigeria is chasing its 10th continental title. She scored a crucial early goal in the team’s opener against Tunisia and remains one of the team’s most experienced players.

Falode, who also heads the NFF’s Women’s Football Committee, advised sports journalists and bloggers to exercise due diligence and fact-check information before publication, especially regarding high-profile athletes.

“We cannot build the women’s game if we continue to tear down our biggest stars with unverified reports,” she said.

Crediblenewsng.com