Nigeria defender Onome Ebi has described the presence of Barcelona forward Asisat Oshoala as a blessing at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in Australia and New Zealand.
Oshoala joined 11-time African champions on the global stage after enjoying her best scoring season with Barcelona where she scored 27 goals in all competitions, including 21 goals in the Primera Division Femenina.
The five-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year was the only Nigeria scorer at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 in France but was forced to withdraw from the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco due to injury.
When quizzed about Oshoala’s influence in the team, 40-year-old Ebi told CAF website: “It’s a blessing to have her in this team. She is a great professional and an example for the whole team. Her performance at club level is incredible.
“Many people forget that few months ago she was injured and today she is up on the pitch putting up huge performances both in the local league and the Champions League.
“She is one of the best players in the world and speaking to her, she is also hugely waiting for the World Cup and has already set her targets for the tournament. She is doing everything she can to be on top form.”
