Chinwendu Ihezuo fires South Africa warning in Pachuca rout of Santos Laguna

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

In a stunning display of skill and determination, Nigerian forward Chinwendu Ihezuo showcased her talent once again as she scored her eighth goal of the season for Mexican women’s top-flight side, Pachuca.

The thrilling encounter unfolded on Monday at the Estadio Miguel Hidalgo, Pachuca, where Pachuca dominated the field against Santos Laguna, securing a resounding 4-0 victory.

Veronica Corral set the pace early in the game, netting the first goal just six minutes into the match. Ihezuo then doubled the lead in the 52nd minute, displaying her striking prowess with a clinical finish.

Corral added to the tally with her second goal in the 61st minute, further asserting Pachuca’s dominance. The rout was completed by Ella Ryan Sanchez Stickel, sealing the victory for the host team.

Ihezuo, who played the entire duration of the game, showcased her goal-scoring prowess once again, notching her eighth goal of the campaign in just 11 games. Her remarkable performance highlights her importance to the Pachuca squad and her growing influence on the field.

With her impressive form, Ihezuo will be eager to maintain her momentum as she prepares for the upcoming challenges, including the Super Falcons’ two-legged Paris 2024 Olympics Qualifiers against South Africa next month.

Her compatriot, Osinachi Ohale, also featured prominently in the match, demonstrating the strong presence of Nigerian talent in the Mexican women’s league.

Pachuca currently occupies the second position on the league table with 26 points, trailing leaders UANL Tigres by five points after 11 games.

With players like Ihezuo leading the charge, Pachuca remains a formidable force in the competition.

As Ihezuo continues to make waves in the Mexican women’s league, her stellar performances serve as a source of pride for Nigerian football fans worldwide.