By Queen John
Team manager of Rivers Angels Sports Club, Matilda Ouene has expressed her disappointment over the transfer of new Liverpool ladies forward, Asisat Oshoala from her club.
The reigning Africa Women Player of the Year moved from 2013/2014 Nigeria Women Premier League Champions Rivers Angels to back to back Super League Champions, Liverpool Ladies FC in January but no money exchanged hands for the deal.
Otuene told naijafootball247.com that she was not happy over the move because the club did not gain anything.
“If I lose a quality player like Asisat, it is has to be something to remember. That contract and move is not beneficial to the club. I am not really happy about it.”
Oshoala was a star at the Fifa U-20 Women’s World Cup in Canada last year emerging as the top scorer and tournament’s most valuable player.
The Rivers Angels administrator further explained why Oshoala’s move was a loss to the club.
“It is not because her contract ended, the rules in transfers are clear. She is moving from one team to the other and I think it has to do with Fifa rules because from my findings they said Fifa wants to encourage the development of female football.
“They made it open to encourage female African players that’s why I said we are not happy because we thought that losing Asisat will bring some sort of financial benefits to the team but we are still looking and waiting to hear from the agent,” Otuene said.
Otuene suggested that the rules should be amended to motivate female football clubs.
“What is good for the boys should also be good for the girls .We are not saying pay us what you pay the boys but we know football is business, these girls are paid and well taken care of so something should come in to encourage everyone of us.” she said.
There were different views from Nigerians on the best League or club the former Rivers Angels stars should have gone to but Otuene believes Liverpool Ladies FC was the best amongst the offers she got.
“Fans have their own opinion. Before you move, a club needs to show interest or invite you .You can’t just travel to those teams. Out of the many we had, this (Liverpool Ladies FC) was the best of all that indicated interest. One of the clubs who indicated their interest was Chelsea Ladies FC.”
Otuene added that, “we believe this is a stepping stone for her. Oshoala would move to a bigger club and bigger league soon. She has a bright future ahead of her let’s not despise that.”