National Teams
Jennifer Echegini fires South Africa warning with winless streak ending Juventus hat-trick
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
After three games without a win in all competition, Italia giants, Juventus returned to winning ways as Nigeria forward, Jennifer Echegini scored three goals to help her team to a 4-0 victory against Fiorentina on Saturday.
It was a sweet revenge for the team in white and black stripes over Fiorentina which accounted for their ouster from the Copa Italia.
Canadian player, Julia Grosso scored the opening goal of the game in the tenth minute at the Campo Poliaportivo Alessandro La Marmora, Biella.
Three minutes later, Netherlands international, Lineth Beerensteyn set up Echegini for the second goal for the Old Ladies.
After the interval, the duo combined for the third goal with Echegini converting her second of the game in the 61st minute.
Lisa Boattin in the 61st minute assisted Echegini who completed her hat trick.
The Florida State University (FSU) graduate was replaced by Maelle Garbino in the 75th minute.
She has scored eight goals in eight league games for Juventus since joining them from the United States of America (USA).
The three goals will serve as a morale booster for Echegini who will join Nigeria’s senior women’s national team to prepare for the final round of Qualifiers for the Paris 2024 Olympics against African champions, South Africa in early April.
Juventus occupy the second position in the Serie A women’s Championship group with 47 points after 20 games, ten points behind runaway leaders, AS Roma, their next opponent on April 15, 2024, after the international break.
