Nigeria Players Abroad
Onyi Echegini’s match-winning goal for FSU breaks Randy Waldrum’s heart
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Nigerian forward, Onyi Echegini scored the winning goal as Florida State University (FSU) secured a 3-2 win over Randy Waldrum’s University of Pittsburgh in Tallahassee on Thursday.
The win extended the Seminoles’ undefeated streak to 12 games and saw the Seminoles defeated the Panthers 3-0 in the Sweet 16 last season and lead the all-time series 12-0.
The Panthers went up 1-0 before halftime through Zailski opener for the Pitts and they hung onto a one-goal lead into the second half.
A second-half adjustment, seeing the Seminoles move their forwards back upfield instead of helping out the midfielders on defense, allowed FSU to open up the game.
Lauren Flynn level the score for FSU with her first goal of the season, followed by goals from Jordynn Dudley and Echegini.
Three minutes after Dudley scored her ninth goal of the season to put the Seminoles ahead 2-1, in the 75th minute, Echegini found the ball, made a few moves, and booted it in to bump the lead to 3-1.
The goal was the Seminoles’ biggest of the season as Pitt would score in the 81st minute off a free kick to make it 3-2.
Samiah Phiri scored her side’s second goal putting the game in a nervy end but Echegini’s goal allowed FSU to breathe a little bit after a game that Pitt controlled for the majority.
Echegini’s goal was her first against her Nigeria coach Randy Waldrum and also saw her tied with Dudley.
It was the first time the Seminoles have been down at halftime and the third time they will come back to win.
Echegini national teammate, Deborah Abiodun started the game for the Pitts.
FSU is back on the road on Sunday against Duke, one of only two games left before the ACC Tournament.
Panthers are back in action same day as they head to South Carolina to take on No. 8 Clemson.
