Chinaza Uchendu: Nigeria winger celebrates silver-medal success in South Korea

Nigeria midfielder Chinaza Uchendu ended her debut season in Korean football on a good note as she helped Gyeongju to a second place finish in the South Korean WK League on Sunday.

Following a injury-shattering stint with Swedish Damallsvenskan side, Linkopings FC, Uchendu got her career back on track with her summer move to South Korea where she saw Gyeongju to a podium finish in the playoffs.

A 2-0 defeat to eventual Champions Incheon Hyundai Steel ensured that the former Sporting Braga midfielder will end her maiden season in South Korea with a silver medal.

First-half goals from Lee Min-a and Jung Seul-Bin in the second leg of the WK League Women’s Playoff final handed Incheon Hyundai Steel the league title.

Gyeongju with the Playoff final defeat completed three straight runners-up finish in the league after a previous feat in 2020 and 2021.

It was a rewarding season for the 24-year-old midfielder in her debut season as she scored four goals for Song Joo-hee team during the regular season as her team earned a second-place finish which qualified the team for the Playoffs semi-final where it defeated Suwon FC 4-3 to reach the final.

The 2018 Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) winner has a not-too-good season with Linkopings FC where she sustained an injury during her competitive debut for the Swedish side. She couldn’t play a further part in the team before joining Gyeongju ahead of the 2022 league season.

The Lagos-born midfielder previously played for Rivers Angels in the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership before switching to Braga in Portugal (2018) where she won the Portuguese women’s league title.

It is hoped that a successful debut season in South Korea will serve as a springboard (propeller) for a rewarding career.