Nigeria vs Germany: Oshoala declared fit

The fitness update ahead of today’s meeting between Nigeria and former champions Germany in the round of 16 of the 2019 Women World Cup, France 2019, at the Stade des Alpes  in Grenoble which will be pleasing to the ears of Super Falcons fans is that Barcelona striker Asisat Oshoala is ‘definitely fit’ to start against the Germans.

The former Arsenal and Liverpool striker had to play through the pain barrier in the final group match vs France before she was substituted in the 85th minute.

On Wednesday, Oshoala had a gym session with the rest of her teammates but was excused from the training session on grass, but the following day she participated in full training.

ALSO READ:  Femi Kuti, others to perform at opening ceremony of 2019 AFCON

With Ngozi Ebere (red card) and Rita Chikwelu (accumulated bookings) suspended for tomorrow’s game, manager Thomas Dennerby will be forced to make at least two changes to the starting line-up.

Evelyn Nwabuoku could replace Ohale Osinachi in central defence while the Vaxjo DFF star could take up the left-back role.

Meanwhile, Japanese Referee Yoshimi Yamashita has been appointed to officiate Nigeria’s round of 16 FIFA Women’s World Cup match against two-time champions Germany.

Yamashita had only previously served in that capacity once at this competition and will do so for the second time only since 2016 when she arrived on the scene.

ALSO READ:  Willian turns down huge China offer

The 33 year-old experienced Japanese match official is keen on brandishing her cards at will and has issued 11 cautions in 10 international matches when she officiated.

Earlier in the year she made history as part of the first all-female trio to officiate a men’s match in Asian continental competition.

Yamashita will be assisted by her compatriots Naomi Teshirogi, Makoto Bozono and fourth official Casey Reibelt of Australia.

FIFA confirmed the appointments on Twitter a day for the match in Grenoble.