Another strong hint has emerged that China-based female striker, Asisat Oshoala may not retain her gong as African Women Footballer of The Year on Tuesday in Dakar, Senegal.
Sports247.ng learnt that this is sequel to a poser raised by continental soccer governing body, Confederation of African Football (CAF), which at the weekend asked pointedly: WHO WILL SUCCEED OSHOALA?
With South Africa’s Chrestinah Kgatlana looking so threatening and likely to be the next lady from The Rainbow Nation to claim the award, CAF might have unwittingly let the cat out of the bag that Oshoala will not get a long desired record equaling fourth feel of the prize on Tuesday.
Also billed to miss out alongside Oshoala is her fellow-Super Falcons forward, Francisca Ordega, who is in the final shortlist for the first time, while Kgatlana is there for a double.
CAF stated in part: “Three women football stars from the continent will compete for the trophy of the Women’s Player of the Year 2018.
“The trio include two Nigerians, Asisat Oshoala (Dalian Quanjian FC, China) and Francisca Ordega (Washington Spirit, USA), and South African Chrestinah Thembi Kgatlana (Houston Dash, USA).
“Ordega replaces Cameroonian Gabrielle Aboudi Onguene who was on the podium last year.
“Asisat Oshoala is aiming at her fourth title after 2014, 2016 and 2017 to equal her compatriot Perpetua Nkwocha, who was crowned in 2004, 2005, 2010 and 2011.
“The young Nigerian, born 9 October 1994 in Ikorodu, a city in Lagos, has been showing her immense talent on the international scene for four years.
“Kgatlana emerged best player and top scorer (five goals) at the Total Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Ghana 2018 last December as South Africa finished runners-up, losing to Nigeria in the final.
“She had a spectacular year which saw her move to the United States, joining Houston Dash.
The 22-year old forward (1.55m), made her debut for Banyana Banyana in 2014.
“Her second nomination at this level and hoping to become the second South African after Noko Matlou (2008) to be crowned ‘Queen’ of African football.”
