Echegini Urges NFF to Improve Super Falcons’ WAFCON Preparation

Jennifer Echegini has called on the Nigeria Football Federation to improve preparations for the Nigeria women’s national football team ahead of the next Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The midfielder stressed that better planning and organisation will be key if Nigeria are to defend their continental crown and remain competitive on the global stage.

While speaking candidly about the team’s situation, the 24-year-old insisted she was not complaining but rather highlighting an area that needs improvement.

“Preparation time is very limited,” she admitted. “Last year we didn’t prepare as much as we wanted, but we still won. We are a team, regardless of the obstacles thrown at us.”

A Global Journey Shaping a Nigerian Star

Born in Nijmegen, Netherlands, Echegini moved to England at the age of 11 before later relocating to the United States.

She played college soccer at both Mississippi State Bulldogs and Florida State Seminoles, experiences that she believes helped shape her career and character.

Reflecting on her upbringing across different countries, Echegini said the exposure ultimately worked in her favour.

“It’s only affected me for the better.”

Before making her international debut for Nigeria in 2022 under Randy Waldrum, representing the Netherlands once seemed like the more realistic option because she had limited ties to Nigeria at the time.

However, her decision to play for the Super Falcons has proven fruitful.

She scored her first international goal in a 3-0 victory over New Zealand women’s national football team in 2023 and later featured at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia.

Nigeria impressed during that tournament before narrowly losing to England women’s national football team in the Round of 16.

Warning Ahead of WAFCON Defence

Looking ahead to the next WAFCON tournament in Morocco, Echegini believes the Super Falcons must be given the right environment to succeed.

According to the midfielder, competing against well-organised teams with superior facilities can put Nigeria at an early disadvantage.

“When you compete with teams that have all these facilities… you’re already at a disadvantage. You have to put your team in the best position to compete.”