Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum has revealed that Mexican-based striker Chinwendu Ihezuo was the player that impressed him the most during Nigeria’s 1-0 win against South Africa in a Paris 2024 Olympic qualifier on Friday evening.
In a move very few people would have anticipated, Waldrum opted to start the Monterrey star in attack, leaving Rinsola Babajide, Ifeoma Onumonu, Esther Okoronkwo and Asisat Oshoala on the bench.
Former Barcelona and Arsenal star Oshoala is Waldrum’s first choice striker but found herself fall down the pecking order following her late arrival in camp.
Oshoala was the only Super Falcons player that did not train fully with the team in their final workout on Thursday.
READ ALSO: Sporting CP coach Amorim offers Liverpool hope
Waldrum was pleased with Ihezuo’s work ethic during the game against Banyana Banyana, highlighting that she never gave up and even chased lost causes.
Ihezuo will be remembered for winning the penalty that ensured the Super Falcons head to Pretoria with a narrow 1-0 advantage.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Waldrum said: “Fantastic, for me probably the player of the match. I thought she was fantastic up front, her hold-up play was brilliant.
“She tracked every ball down whether she had a chance to get it or not. Almost every ball she put the defence under duress and that’s what you want out of a striker – a player that will put that kind of work in.
“She was outstanding, we knew she would do well. I have been following her in Mexico, if you guys have followed her there, she’s been playing very well this season.
“Maybe they were not quite prepared for her; she was great, fantastic.”
Chinwendu Ihezuo was recalled to the Super Falcons for the April internationals against South Africa after missing out on the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup.
