The decision to withdraw the six-time CAF Women's Player of the Year just before the interval raised eyebrows, especially after she had opened the scoring for Nigeria from the penalty spot in the 21st minute. Oshoala won the spot-kick herself before calmly converting it to hand the Super Falcons the lead.
Despite speculation that the Al-Hilal forward may have suffered an injury, Madugu clarified after the game that the substitution was purely tactical.
“Actually, it was not much of an injury, but we felt the energy level was dropping a little. We planned to play with a high intensity, and we felt the energy level had dropped a little, allowing the Egyptians to settle at the back.
“We didn’t want them to settle so much at the back, and it was not really working the way we had expected. That forced the change that we made,” Madugu explained during the post-match interview.
The coach's explanation comes as a relief for Nigerian supporters, with Oshoala expected to remain a key figure as the Super Falcons progress into the knockout stages of the tournament.
The former Barcelona striker has already scored twice at this year's competition. She netted Nigeria's winner in the 1-0 group-stage victory over Zambia before adding another against Egypt, continuing her impressive scoring record at the continental championship.
Since making her senior debut in 2014, Oshoala has enjoyed a remarkable WAFCON career, winning four titles with Nigeria in 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2024. She has also found the net in every edition of the tournament she has featured in, except in 2022 when an injury sustained in Nigeria's opening match against South Africa ruled her out of the remainder of the competition.
That tournament eventually saw South Africa's Banyana Banyana lift the trophy in Morocco, ending Nigeria's dominance.
Now 31, Oshoala remains one of the team's most experienced players as the Super Falcons pursue a record-extending 11th WAFCON crown. Beyond the continental title, Nigeria are also targeting a place at the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup, with qualification dependent on reaching the semi-finals.
Earlier in the tournament, Oshoala stressed the importance of unity and support from Nigerians as the team continues its campaign.
“It’s still a long competition, so there is still a lot of time to prepare for the next game.
“We need their support right now. A World Cup ticket is at stake, and this is the time we need everyone to support the team. We know the Super Eagles didn’t qualify, so we know what’s at stake and we know how Nigerians feel about this.”
With fears over her fitness eased by Madugu's explanation, Oshoala is expected to be available for Nigeria's quarter-final clash against Cameroon on Sunday.
The Super Falcons will be aiming to book a place in the last four, secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup, and keep alive their quest to reclaim the African title with an unprecedented 11th WAFCON triumph.