Christy Ucheibe: Nigeria midfielder reflects on SL Benfica’s crucial win over SC Braga

Portuguese Liga BPI Champions, SL Benfica  earned a 3-0 win over Braga to open a three-point lead at the top of the log which Christy Ucheibe described as an important triumph for the UEFA Women’s Champions League campaigners at the Benfica Futebol Campus on Monday.

A 3-0 win off goals from Nycole, Ana Vitoria, and Cloe propelled Ucheibe’s side to victory against Peace Efih’s Braga.

In the wake of their latest triumph over title rivals, the Nigerian midfielder, who lasted the duration, recounted the importance of the result in her team’s quest to retain the league diadem.

She told Portuguese TV, Canal 11: “The win was important to us and we will keep fighting to maintain the first position. SL Benfica is a team that works hard so much. It’s not luck. We put a lot of work and effort.”

When asked about her side’s fine run of form following UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage win over Swedish side Rosengard, the former Nigerian youth international attributed SL Benfica’s form to hard work.

“We work hard for every victory that comes and we are going to get more of it,” she added.

The win over her compatriot Efih, who missed the match due to injury extended SL Benfica’s winning streak to four games in all competitions and opened a three-point lead over Braga.

The Lisbon-based side’s last defeat came in the UEFA Women’s Champions League against Bayern Munich (3-2) as the As Águias surrendered a 2-0 lead.

Filipa Patāo’s side has recovered from the last defeat with wins against Damaiense (6-1) and Sporting (2-1) in the league before last week’s 1-0 triumph against FC Rosengard.

The Reds will next face Ouriense in the league with the hope of extending its winning rhythm to five games against the Ourém based team.