Jennifer Echegini, who scored Nigeria’s only goal in the 3-1 loss to Japan at Paris 2024, got herself into the record book. Her 42nd-minute goal that initially reduced the tally to 2-1 became the first Super Falcons player to score at the Olympic Games after 16 years.

Before then, the last Nigerian woman to score in the Olympic Games was Perpetua Nkwocha, who converted a 19th-minute penalty kick against Brazil in an eventual 3-1 loss. As it was 16 years earlier, the Super Falcons at Paris 2024 ended their adventure with another 3-1 loss.

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Echegini, who is a revelation at PSG since her arrival in 2024, is about to play in her very first Women’s Cup of Nations with Nigeria. She was born in the Netherlands and grew up between England and the United States.

In a chat with CAFonline, Echegini confirmed that her heart has always been with Nigeria despite having options of the Netherlands, the US and England.

Hear her: “People often reduce us to just our speed. But we have so much more to offer,” warns the Parisian midfielder, determined to break stereotypes.”

At 24, the upcoming Africa Women’s Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 will be her first. Jennifer Echegini approaches it with the maturity of a player who has already faced the pressure of the Olympics and the World Cup.

But for her, the WAFCON is more than just another tournament: it’s a source of pride, a responsibility, a deep connection to the history and soul of Nigerian football.

Arriving in Paris in the summer of 2024, the Super Falcon quickly made her mark in an elite squad. “She creates danger every time she touches the ball,” praises teammate Grace Geyoro.

Behind her technical skills and game intelligence lies an unusual journey: born in Nijmegen, Netherlands, trained in England and the U.S, Echegini has always carried the desire to represent Nigeria. “It’s a conviction that has always driven me,” she says.

Today, she shares the PSG locker room with other African talents like Agueissa Diarra (Mali) and Merveille Kanjinga (DR Congo). Her advice?

“Believe in yourself, no matter where you come from. In Paris, only discipline and passion matter.”

A powerful message from a player who refuses clichés:
“We’re often reduced to speed or power, but African women’s football is so much more than that.”

With only a few weeks to go before the Women’s AFCON kicks off in Morocco (July 5–26), Jennifer Echegini is ready to step into the spotlight:

“This tournament brings a different intensity, a unique emotion. It’s our legacy,” she says with determination.

CAFOnline.com: Since July, you’ve been playing for PSG. What do you appreciate most about your new life in Paris?

Jennifer Echegini: There are so many things I love here. What stands out the most is being able to train every day alongside exceptional players.

Every session is a learning moment. Some of them I used to admire on TV when I was younger, so now sharing the field with them and learning from them is such a rich experience.

You were the first African player to join PSG. What message did you share with Agueissa Diarra (Mali) and Merveille Kanjinga (DR Congo), your two African teammates, when they joined?

I told them to believe in themselves. It doesn’t matter where you come from—your background should never limit you. Being from a particular country or region doesn’t define your value.

What matters is what you show on the field. At PSG, we’re all on the same level, in the same locker room, and we have to fight for what we want. Self-belief is the key.

Paris has recently invested in several African players, including yourself. What do you think about this trend, and what impact can it have on the development of women’s football in Africa?

I’m proud that European clubs are starting to take us seriously. Too often, African players are reduced to just strength or speed, but we have so much more to offer the game.

This recognition changes things. It sends a strong message to young girls across the continent: if we made it, they can too. They shouldn’t limit themselves to stereotypical traits. 

At 24, you’ve already played in the World Cup and the Olympics… and now you’re preparing for your first Women’s Africa Women’s Cup of Nations. What does this tournament mean to you?

It’s very special. I’ve been in major international competitions, but I haven’t played in an WAFCON yet.

This will be my first time, and I’m very excited. I watched the last edition two years ago and already thought: “One day, it’ll be my turn.” Now that moment is here. It’s a different atmosphere, a different energy.

Representing my country on the African continent is a huge honour. The Women’s AFCON is about history, culture, emotion. I can’t wait to live it from the inside.

Nigeria will play in Group B alongside Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana. How do you assess this group?

It’s a tough group. On paper, we’re the favourites, clearly. But in this kind of tournament, that doesn’t mean anything. No team should be taken lightly. We’ll need to be focused from the first minute and never underestimate the opposition. 

What role do you expect to play for the Super Falcons during this AFCON?

I’m a midfielder, so my role is to create, organize, and also score when I can. I want to be a constant support for my teammates across all areas of the pitch. Nothing complicated—just doing what I know how to do. Simply being useful.

Nigeria is a powerhouse on the continent, with a rich history in this competition. How do you handle the pressure of always needing to win?

We live with it. The pressure has always been there. When you wear the Nigerian jersey, you know the expectations are sky-high. But that’s a good thing, really. It’s those standards that shape who we are. Nigeria has won this competition multiple times. As the new generation, it’s our duty to carry on that tradition. So yes, there’s pressure. But everyone—the fans, the staff, us—wants the same thing: victory.

With increased media coverage, do you sense a change in how African fans view women’s football?

Definitely. I’ve been with the team for three years now, and I see real progress. There’s more coverage, more interest, more visibility.

This tournament has always been important, but it didn’t get talked about enough. Today, things are changing—and that’s excellent. The more people understand the importance of this competition, the more African women’s football will grow.

What message do you want to send to young African girls watching you from Lagos, Cotonou, or Abidjan, dreaming of following in your footsteps?

I’d simply tell them to believe in themselves and never stop working hard. Every journey is unique. I’m Nigerian, but I wasn’t born in Nigeria. I grew up in the Netherlands, in the UK, spent time in the US… My story is different from some of my teammates who grew up in Lagos or Abuja.

But that’s the point: no matter where you come from, the path may be different, but the destination can be the same. We can all reach the top level, each in our own way.

You have to believe in yourself and never doubt. You set your own ceiling. If you tell yourself you won’t make it, then you won’t. Don’t let anyone convince you that you can’t. Work hard, believe in yourself, and go for it.

Related Story: Jennifer Echegini makes record in Super Falcons’ defeat to Japan– https://sportsvillagesquare.com/2024/07/31/jennifer-echegini-makes-record-in-super-falcons-defeat-to-japan/

-CAFonline

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