Farid Benstiti Reflects on a Younger Asisat Oshoala

Ahead of Algeria’s matchup with Nigeria this Sunday (8pm local time) in Casablanca, Les Vertes coach Farid Benstiti spoke fondly of his reunion with Nigerian star player Asisat Oshoala, whom he took to China. It was also an opportunity for him to reminscence on his approach to supporting African players he coached abroad.

"She was part of my family"

Benstiti did not hesitate for a second when asked to talk about Oshoala. On the eve of a decisive match against Nigeria, the Algerian coach offered a personal, emotional moment. "I had Asisat for two years in China. I brought her to Dalian Quanjian because I believed in her, in her potential, but also because she had this desire to improve.” 

What followed goes beyond the purely sporting context. "She lived near me. We would go to eat together. She was part of my family, truly. I did everything I could to make her feel comfortable, and at the same time, I didn't give her any favours in training. I asked a lot from her, about her strengths as well as her weaknesses."

The result is well known: a move to FC Barcelona and a career as a world football star. But it is the human dimension that remains. "When she told me she was leaving, I encouraged her to go for it. We've always stayed in touch. I'm very proud of her."

A welcoming method, a conviction

This reunion with Oshoala also revives a broader memory for Benstiti: that of his years spent accompanying African players to foreign clubs from Russia, France, China and the United States of America. 

"When an African player arrives in a new country, she changes the world. It’s often a cultural, emotional, and emotional rupture." I've never left these players to their own devices."

Benstiti talks about the welcome, the family environment, and the responsibility. "You can't imagine what it's like to leave everything behind. I've always made sure they feel integrated, that they have a sense of direction, that they have a voice. I have deep respect for them. I help them adapt, to feel good. Then the work can begin."

He pursues this attentive eye today with Algeria. He does not advocate a method, but rather a high standard coupled with sincere kindness. "I focus on my players. I want them to progress, but above all, for them to feel valued. It's not just a speech, it's a conviction."

Nigeria, a major test and symbol

This Sunday, his Algeria have a big stake in the game against one of the continent's giants and the most decorated team on the continent having won the WAFCON a record-breaking nine times in 12 editions. 

"Playing against Nigeria is an opportunity. If you want to go far, you have to compete with the best." This match makes us grow. It's also a great opportunity to show that Les Vertes aren't here to make up the numbers. "I don't make calculations. We play to win, not to wait for a miracle. That's how we build a real team."

Between collective ambition and personal emotion, Benstiti will approach this match with a desire to surprise. And perhaps, in a shared glance across the pitch, he'll see a spark of China in Oshoala's eyes.