Nigeria Players Abroad
Esther Okoronkwo: Nigeria forward reflects on life after first month at UDG Tenerife
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Nigerian forward, Esther Okoronkwo has reflected on her first month with Spanish top-flight side, UDG Tenerife.
Okoronkwo joined the Spanish side from French side, Saint Etienne in the 2023 summer and had hit the ground running, beginning with a scoring debut against Sporting Huelva before second in a 3-2 loss to Madrid CFF.
Following his memorable start to life in Spain, the Super Falcon is full of excitement after her impactful run of form, scoring two goals in six appearances for the Canary Island based outfit.
“My first month of being here was good training with the team and getting my debut goal. I really liked it,” Okoronkwo told the UDG Tenerife TV.
“It was nice to score a goal it would have been nice if we had won.” It didn’t really matter. Truly, I am not really good at using my head.
“I was surprised and had to take it. Usually, I am one that shoots and score. I felt like Cristiano [Ronaldo] right there.”
After spending a few seasons in France and now in Spain, the American-born forward draws comparisons between the both leagues.
“It’s really different in terms of tactics because I can from France,” she continued.
“I like the Spanish league as one of the best in women’s football. It’s quite different because we had PSG and Lyon as the top teams in France.
“Here [Spain], we have FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and lots of good teams. Overall for me, I think it is harder playing here than in France.”
