Paris 2024: Okobi-Ekeoghene lauds Ucheibe and Abiodun for huge Olympic displays

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Ekeoghene has singled out Christy Ucheibe and Deborah Abiodun for praises despite the Super Falcon’s ouster from the women’s football tournament of the Paris 2024 Olympics on Wednesday.

A 3-1 loss to the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup champions ended Nigeria’s senior women’s national team’s campaign in the group with three losses to Brazil, Spain, and Japan.

Okobi took to her social media handles to hear praises on the duo for their wonderful performances irrespective of the losses.

“Football is not just how long you’ve played but how well have you improved as a player.
@abiodundebby100 & @u.christy4 thank U for the show you gave me #olympic2024,” Okobi posted on her X handle (formerly Twitter).

“Keep working hard. There is room to be called the world’s best players. I pray nothing will slow your journey to the top.”

The two players distinguished themselves in the middle of the pack for the record African champions at the Olympics.

Ucheibe provided the assist for Jennifer Echegini’s lone goal against Japan, which was Nigeria’s lone goal at the Olympics.

Abiodun’s influence on the field attracted the admiration of Brazil legend, Marta during a 1-0 loss in the Group C opener.

The two players are expected to play pivotal roles for the national team going forward after growing through the ranks from the U-20 women’s national team.