'She's a friend'- Algeria coach on his relationship with Oshoala, admits Super Falcons are Africa's best

Algeria’s head coach, Farid Benstiti, has described Nigeria as the benchmark in African women’s football, setting the bar high for his team as they prepare for the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Group B.

In an exclusive interview with CAF Online, Benstiti acknowledged Nigeria’s dominance on the continental stage and their standing among the world’s elite, particularly highlighting the impressive Asisat Oshoala.

"Nigeria are the benchmark," Benstiti said, praising the Super Falcons’ stature. 

"I had the pleasure of working with Asisat Oshoala in China, she’s a friend now. Nigeria aren’t just Africa’s best; they’re among the top 10 in the world." 

His words reflect the immense respect he holds for Nigeria’s iconic forward and the Super Falcons’ long-standing success in African football.

Benstiti’s admiration for Oshoala goes beyond just her on-field contributions. 

The bond between the two was forged during their time in China, with Oshoala’s influence leaving a lasting impression on him. 

The Algeria coach also acknowledged the strength of other teams in Group B, including Botswana and Tunisia, but emphasized that Nigeria’s prowess is unrivaled. 

"Botswana impressed me at the 2022 WAFCON. They’re solid, well-organized. If we’re not disciplined, we’ll struggle," he warned, recognizing that discipline will be crucial for his team to succeed.

As Algeria gears up for the competition, it’s clear that Benstiti sees Nigeria’s Super Falcons as the ultimate yardstick, with Oshoala standing out as a key symbol of that dominance.

Wale Adejumo

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