Nigerians are sometimes unfair in their criticism of footballers, says Oshoala

Super Falcons forward Asisat Oshoala believes Nigerians can be unfair in their criticism of footballers.

Oshoala spoke to TheCable.

In recent years, several Super Eagles and Falcons players have been the target of harsh criticism from Nigerians on social media after supposedly poor performances.

Oshoala was also one of the most criticized players on the Falcons team.

Speaking on the criticism that comes with playing for the national team, Oshoala said she accepted the scrutiny as a “responsibility” that comes with “success and fame.”

The 29-year-old said that while some comments can “sometimes” be unfair, she has learned to deal with them.

“There are perks that come with success and fame. In this business, people congratulate you when things go well, and when things go wrong, you expect them to criticize you,” Oshoala said.

“But sometimes I feel like they’re not fair, but at the end of the day, it’s a type of responsibility that I’m in with the level that I’m at right now.

“I don’t have any pressure. I had this conversation with my psychologist the other day, and he said that for me, it’s all about enjoyment. Whatever I do in football, I want to make sure I enjoy it. I don’t have any pressure. People will always be waiting, but that doesn’t bother me anymore at this stage of my career.”

Oshoala is expected to be part of the Super Falcons squad that will represent Nigeria in the women’s football event at the Paris Olympics in July.

The Falcons are in Group C alongside Spain, Japan and Brazil.

Oshoala described the group as “very tough” but added that “you can’t really put our team aside”.

She promised the Falcons “will make sure we give our best and qualify for the next round.”

“We are in a very tough group. We have Brazil, Japan and Spain, the world champions. It is a tough group but the resilience of the current Super Falcons team is one thing we have. We have a lot of young players who are playing at the best clubs in the world so you can’t really write our team off,” Oshoala said.

“Whatever team is going to take a point against us, they are going to work hard to get it. This team is different and we are going to do everything to qualify for the next round.

“It would be a huge honour for me to be a part of it. All athletes want to be Olympians, so it would be a success.”