COACH Edwin Okon of the Super Falcons says striker Asisat Oshoala is not likely to join the team before their matches in the 2015 All-Africa Games and 2016 Olympics qualifiers.
Okon told newsmen in Abuja that it would be difficult for the Liverpool Ladies to release Oshoala because the friendly matches were not in the FIFA calendar.
The Super Falcons resumed camping on Feb. 22 in preparation for the AAG and 2016 Olympics qualifiers against Mali.
Okon however noted that the team was ready to forge ahead and qualify for the competitions in spite of Oshoala’s absence.
“At this level, the clubs will tell us the matches are not on the FIFA calendar. But, we will be grateful to God for whichever player is available.
“If none is available, we will have to make do with what we have.
“However, Oshoala is an individual and a coach doesn’t build his team around an individual.
“Though, we know the quality of Oshoala and she will be a plus to the team, but right now she is not here, and we have to forge ahead on how to win our matches.
“Until when she joins the team, we will work with what is on ground.
“The match against Mali is on March 22 and I don’t think they (Liverpool Ladies) will release her before then.
“But if we see her, to God be the glory. If not, fine and good. All what we will just think of is how to win the matches without Oshoala,” Okon said.
He added that the technical crew was not in a hurry to drop any of the players presently in camp.
“We have 25 players presently in camp and the screening is supposed to be elimination by substitution.
“But now, we do not intend to drop (any player) so quickly because the foreign-based players are not here yet to ascertain who is who and our match is on March 22.
“So, as we continue preparations for the matches, we don’t intend to drop any player so quick. Instead, we have invited some other players to beef up the team.