'I wasn't able to hug her' – Algeria coach details relationship with Super Falcons star Oshoala

Algeria head coach Farid Benstiti has opened up about his relationship with Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala ahead of their decisive Group B clash at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Nigeria will take on Algeria on Sunday at the Stade Larbi Zaouli, with the Super Falcons aiming to seal top spot in the group and secure a more favourable quarterfinal draw.

The Super Falcons, already qualified with six points, top the group, while Algeria sit second with four.

Speaking during the pre-match press conference, Benstiti, who coached Oshoala at Chinese club Dalian Quanjian for two years before she moved to Barcelona, spoke fondly of their time together.

"Yes, I had Asisat for two years in China and I did everything to get her to come. She accepted the project and she wanted to progress," Algeria coach Farid Benstiti was quoted as saying by Ademola Victor TV at Saturday's pre-match press conference.

"That's what she did, I took care of her for two years. I think we have always been together even outside of matches. We used to eat together, she didn't live far from home, she was part of my family, Asisat."

Benstiti further described the emotional moment he reunited with Oshoala, reflecting on how much she has grown — both personally and professionally.

"I found her today with a lot of emotion because she was a young woman and today she's a woman,” he said. 

"She's really a woman who has changed a lot who has made the career she has today. But I really remember with Asisat not being able to hug her.”

He further recalled the moment Oshoala informed him about her willingness to move to Barcelona.

"And then she had the reward of being called by Barcelona. When she told me she was going to Barcelona, I told her sincerely in French I had no regrets,” Benstiti added.

Despite now coaching a side that must stop Oshoala and her formidable teammates, Benstiti admitted to keeping close tabs on her career, including during past international tournaments.

"In any case, I am happy with the trajectory she has had today. In the future, because we have always been in contact, even when she came to the World Cup in France, every time she moved with Nigeria, I was present.

“I am going to be very, very happy to see her again, hoping that she didn't hurt herself too much during the previous match against Botswana."

Despite the cordial relationship between both parties, Super Falcons coach Justin Magudu will hope Oshoala showcases her best performance to ensure Nigeria secure a victory against Algeria.

Adeyemi Adewale

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