'Hasn't been how I want' – Super Falcons midfielder Echegini opens up on limited Wafcon game time

Super Falcons midfielder Jennifer Echegini has expressed frustration over her limited playing time at the ongoing 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

Echegini, one of the standout names in Nigeria’s midfield, has yet to start a game at the tournament, coming on only as a second-half substitute in the Falcons' opening Group C victories against Botswana and Tunisia.

Speaking ahead of Nigeria’s final group game against Algeria, the 24-year-old admitted the experience hadn’t gone the way she had hoped.

“Everybody wants to start a game and everybody wants to play ninety minutes but at the end of the day the coaches have the responsibility to pick the team," Echegini told reporters at the pre-match press conference. 

“Unfortunately for me, it hasn't been exactly how I want it but the tournament alone, we have a total of about five or six games, so things could change, so if I were to be given the opportunity, I was very excited.”

Despite the personal setback, Echegini maintained that representing Nigeria remains a source of pride.

"I think as a player when you play at the national team level it is always good to remind yourself that it is an honour and priviledge to represent your country," she said.

The Super Falcons have had to deal with several challenges in Morocco, including long travel times to training. 

Reports suggest the team often travels up to an hour to reach their training base, with Saturday's session reportedly scheduled as late as 8:00 p.m.

Commenting on the demanding schedule, Echegini said, "We feel very prepared and have been trying hard. I mean the journey to training is not ideal but it is just something we have to deal with. 

"At the end of the day, we are all professionals so we're used to something like this.

"We all know what's best for our bodies. Fortunately, the game is at night tomorrow, so we will have time to recover to make sure we are ready to go for ninety minutes tomorrow."

Looking ahead, Echegini said the team remains focused: "Right now we are focusing on Algeria and after that we will have time to focus on the next opponent regardless of who it is, it does not matter."

Nigeria has already booked a place in the quarter-finals but must avoid defeat against Algeria to secure top spot in Group C. The Super Falcons are seeking their 10th WAFCON title.

Adeyemi Adewale

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