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Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum revealed that Mexican-based striker Chinwendu Ihezuo stole the spotlight.
Despite the odds, Ihezuo's performance earned her the spotlight, leaving seasoned stars on the bench.
Nigeria secured a 1-0 victory against South Africa in the first leg of their Paris 2024 Olympic qualifier.
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Ihezuo's Unexpected Rise
Waldrum's strategic decision to start Monterrey's rising star in attack paid off, sidelining established players like Rinsola Babajide, Ifeoma Onumonu, Esther Okoronkwo, and Asisat Oshoala.
Oshoala, a former Barcelona and Arsenal standout, faced a setback due to her delayed arrival in camp, dropping her in the pecking order.
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Waldrum praised Ihezuo's performance, as reported by Allnigeriasoccer, "Fantastic, for me probably the player of the match, I thought she was fantastic up front, her hold-up play was brilliant."
Ihezuo's relentless work ethic caught Waldrum's attention, as she tirelessly chased down balls and pressured the defense throughout the game.
Her pivotal moment came when she won the penalty securing the Super Falcons' 1-0 advantage heading into the next leg in Pretoria.
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"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,“ Waldrum noted.
Waldrum expressed his satisfaction with Ihezuo's contribution and acknowledged her consistent performance in Mexico's league, indicating her readiness for the international stage.
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