Benstiti Reflects on Emotional Reunion with Oshoala at WAFCON Clash

Algeria women’s national team head coach Farid Benstiti shared heartfelt memories of his former player Asisat Oshoala as he reunited with the Nigerian forward during their WAFCON group-stage encounter in Casablanca on Sunday, Sport360NG reports.

Benstiti, who managed Chinese club Dalian Quanjian from 2017 to 2019, coached Oshoala during her time at the club, a period he looks back on fondly.

“She was like family to me,” Benstiti told CAF Online. “I brought her to Dalian Quanjian because I believed in her talent and her hunger to develop. We shared more than just the pitch — we often dined together, and she lived close by. I tried to create a comfortable environment for her, but I also demanded a lot in training, pushing her to be better in every aspect.”

Oshoala repaid that faith with a string of standout performances. In her debut 2017 season, she netted 12 goals to help Dalian clinch the league title and claimed the Golden Boot. That same year, she struck four times in the Women’s Super Cup final, leading her side to a 5-3 victory over Shanghai.

The prolific striker continued her fine form in 2018, scoring 23 goals in 20 matches as Dalian retained their league crown. She later sealed a move to FC Barcelona in January 2019.

“When she decided to move on, I encouraged her. We’ve kept in touch ever since, and I’m very proud of what she has achieved,” Benstiti added.

Sunday’s meeting between Nigeria and Algeria marked the third time both nations have clashed at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Nigeria triumphed 4-0 in their first encounter in 2004 and followed it up with a commanding 6-0 win in 2006.

Facing the nine-time African champions again, Benstiti saw the match as a valuable learning experience for his team.

“Playing against a team like Nigeria is a privilege. If you want to grow and go far in this tournament, you need to face the very best,” he said.