Photo credit caf_online.com
ARSENAL Ladies of England striker, Asisat Oshoala says her target is not to win the African Women Nations Cup (AWCON) most valuable player or top scorer rather to make Nigeria proud.
She said at a post-match media chat after she scored four goals in the 6-0 demolition of Mali in their first Group B game at the Stade de Limbe Sunday evening.
"This is just the first match and our approach was not to concede in the first 20 minutes. When we went to the dressing room, we came back stronger in the second half and did better.
"Basically it is not about Asisat Oshoala, rather the whole Nigerian team. I did not come with a target in mind to win the Most Valuable Player or the top scorer, rather to make my country (Nigeria) proud. And also to show the rest of Africa that we are still around and this is the only way to make that statement."
For a delighted Florence Omagbemi who began a national team coaching career with an emphatic win said: "This is our first game and we are in the process of finding our feet. We are through with Mali and looking forward to Ghana. Our focus is to defend our trophy and we have just started.
"Before the match, there was no special talk to a particular player. The technical team spoke to the players collectively and passed on the message to them.
"Desire Oparanozie is fine. She is one of 21 players we have here. The best players for today (against Mali) were those who played.
"Asisat Oshoala is a special player and can adjust to any position. She did that today and everyone saw the result."
