Echegini ready to conquer Africa with Nigeria

by Staff Reporter

Tuesday Jun 10, 2025. 13:00

Jennifer Echegini insists she cannot wait to represent Nigeria at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) for the first time as they target a record 12th title.

The 24-year-old midfielder was part of the Super Falcons squad that reached the round of 16 at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, while she also featured at the 2024 Olympic Games.

But Echegini has yet to experience the special atmosphere of playing at the continental showpiece and is ready to take the tournament by storm in Morocco next month.

The Netherlands-born star enjoyed a fine 2024-25 season with Paris Saint-Germain, contributing seven goals and four assists to help the team finish second behind Lyon in the French Division 1 Feminine.

“It’s very special,” Echegini told CAFOnline. “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 honor. The Women’s AFCON is about history, culture, emotion. I can’t wait to live it from the inside.”

Nigeria won the last of their 11 WAFCON crowns in 2018 and they will be looking to dethrone South Africa when the spectacle gets underway on July 5.

“We live with it, Echegini added. “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.”