Chinwendu Ihezuo wins Senior Player Award after hattrick heroics for Pachuca

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria forward, Ihezuo Chinwendu bagged the Senior Player of the Match Award after firing a sensational first-half hattrick to inspire C.F. Pachuca to a commanding 5-0 victory over Costa Rica’s Alajuelense W in the CONCACAF W Champions Cup.

The in-form striker, who has been a constant threat in the Mexican women’s league, carried her hot streak into continental competition, producing a ruthless display in front of goal.

She opened the scoring in the 10th minute, doubled her tally in the 25th minute, and completed her hattrick with a composed finish in the 39th minute, giving Pachuca a comfortable halftime lead.

The Mexican side sustained the momentum in the second half, adding two more goals to seal a 5-0 win on Matchday 3.

Ihezuo’s treble not only highlighted her lethal finishing but also earned her the Senior Player of the Match Award, cementing her reputation as one of the most clinical forwards in African women’s football.

Oluwaseun Oyediji

Oluwaseun Babatunde Oyediji is a multi-media sports journalist with over 10 years experience in Information Communication Technology (ICT), women's football, and beach soccer reportage.The prolific writer is the Media Assistant to Nigeria Beach Soccer League and Africa Beach Soccer Union as well as contributor on Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) website.He has covered multiple national and international football tournaments including Championship of African Nations (CHAN 2020), CAF Women's Champions League (2023), and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023).Since 2021, Oyediji has covered the NWFL Premiership especially the season ending Super Six Playoffs.A member of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ogun state chapter is also the image maker of the Remo Sports Development Council under the leadership of Chief Falilat Ogunkoya and David Osuolale.

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