BIIK Kazygurt of Kazakhstan striker, Chiwendu Ihezuo has stated delight with her ability to get among the goals scorers for the Nigerian female national team, Super Falocns during their recent trip to China for a four-nation build-up competition.
The Falcons’ outing at the Wuhan Invitational Championship was the start of the team’s build-up to the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and Sports247.ng reports that Ihezuo got one of their goals in the third place 4-1 win against Romania.
That victory fetched Coach Thomas Dennerby’s side bronze medals, which Ihezuo says was a brilliant way to return home with something in the kitty, but points to her personal feat as the biggest lift for her.
The nine-time and reigning African champs beat Romania in the third place play-off of the competition hosted by China at Wuhua Olympic Sports Stadium.
It was the Falcons’ second match after beating South Africa on penalties last December to claim a ninth African title in Ghana and, despite losing their first game 3-0 to China last Thursday, Ihezuo says they are proud.
The Falcons bounced back in style against Romania when Ihezuo fired Nigeria in front towards the end of the first half.
The Europeans leveled scores on resumption of play but Nigeria seized the initiative afterwards through China-based defender Onome Ebi who plies her trade with Henan Huisanhang.
Two more goals through Rita Chikwelu and Ini Umutong gave Nigeria a morale-boosting win against the Europeans in this pre-Wold Cup tie, leaving Ihezuo beaming from ear-to-ear.
The 21-year-old Ihezuo, who scored her second goal for the Falcons on Sunday, said: “It was great opportunity given to me and I really thank God for the goal.
“Personally, I felt very good and excited about the victory and my goal for the team.
“The tournament was a good test for us and it is going to help us in the future as we prepare for the World Cup.”
