How's this offside? Okonkwo vents frustration over bizarre calls in Olympic qualifier

Esther Okonkwo is unhappy with the officiating against Cameroon.

How's this offside? Okonkwo vents frustration over bizarre calls in Olympic qualifier

Izuchukwu Akawor 08:22 - 24.02.2024

Esther Okonkwo was in action for the Super Falcons against Cameron in the Paris 2024 qualifiers.

Super Falcons striker Esther Okonkwo has taken to social media to express frustration after having ‘two goals’ harshly disallowed for offside against Cameroon on Friday.

Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that Nigeria was forced to a 0-0 draw by Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses in their Olympics qualifying first leg in Douala. 

Okonkwo vents on Paris 2024 ref

The American-based forward aimed criticism at the refereeing decisions following Friday's match in Douala.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons dominated the encounter and created the best opportunities, including putting the ball in the back of the net in the 54th minute of the game.

Super Falcons star, Esther Okonkwo.
Super Falcons star, Esther Okonkwo. (Photo Credit: simplyesi/Instagram)

However, as reported by Pulse Sports, the goal was chalked off in controversial circumstances for offside. But replays show Okonkwo, who fired the fantastic strike, was miles onside and the goal should have stood.

In a story post showing footage of one overturned goal, the outraged forward wrote: "2 cancelled goals! Pls, tell me how this is offside?"

Asisat Oshoala misses a golden chance to give Nigeria a deserved lead against Cameroon. (Photo Credit: Super Falcons/X)

Earlier she also reacted angrily by saying "Their fada left yansh" in Pidgin English, implying incompetence from the match officials. Okonkwo accompanied the outburst with a photo of her disputed offside position.

The 23-year-old felt she had found the net legitimately on two occasions. But with both efforts ruled out by the referee's assistant, the stalemate leaves Nigeria facing a tense second leg in Abuja next week.

Esther's question on Instagram.

Okonkwo's post-match Instagram activity summed up her team's exasperation at having potentially pivotal goals incorrectly chalked off in the Olympics qualifier first leg.

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