Jennifer Echegini prepares for her inaugural WAFCON

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Jennifer Echegini, who netted Nigeria’s sole goal in the 3-1 defeat against Japan at Paris 2024, has etched her name in the record books.

Her goal in the 42nd minute, which initially narrowed the score to 2-1, marked her as the first Super Falcons player to score at the Olympic Games in 16 years.

Before this, the last Nigerian woman to find the net in the Olympic Games was Perpetua Nkwocha, who successfully converted a penalty in the 19th minute against Brazil during a 3-1 loss.

Just like 16 years ago, the Super Falcons concluded their journey at Paris 2024 with another 3-1 defeat.

Echegini, who has been a standout player at PSG since her arrival in 2024, is set to participate in her very first Women’s Cup of Nations with Nigeria.

Born in the Netherlands, she spent her formative years between England and the United States.

In an interview with CAFonline, Echegini expressed that her allegiance has always been with Nigeria, despite having the option to represent the Netherlands, the US, or England.

She stated: “People often reduce us to just our speed. But we have so much more to offer,” cautions the Parisian midfielder, who is eager to challenge stereotypes.

At 24, the upcoming Africa Women’s Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 will mark her debut. Jennifer Echegini approaches this tournament with the composure of a player who has already experienced the pressures of the Olympics and the World Cup.

For her, WAFCON represents more than just another competition: it embodies pride, responsibility, and a profound connection to the legacy and spirit of Nigerian football.

Since arriving in Paris in the summer of 2024, the Super Falcon has quickly established herself within an elite team.

“She creates danger every time she touches the ball,” commends her teammate Grace Geyoro.

Beneath her technical prowess and game intelligence lies an extraordinary journey: born in Nijmegen, Netherlands, and trained in England and the U.S., Echegini has always harbored the ambition to represent Nigeria. “It’s a conviction that has always driven me,” she shares.

Today, she shares the PSG locker room with other African talents.