By Daniel Edu
Super Falcons standout, Onyi Echegini, couldn’t hide her joy after netting the game-winning goal against Pittsburgh, a team coached by Randy Waldrum, who had given her the opportunity to make her international debut for Nigeria.
Echegini’s decisive goal secured a 3-2 victory for the Florida State women’s soccer team in a thrilling clash that took place at the Seminole Soccer Complex in Florida.
This match carried added significance as it pitted Echegini against her former mentor, Randy Waldrum. The Seminoles were determined to extend their unbeaten streak to 12 games, and Echegini’s goal played a pivotal role in achieving that.
Both Echegini and Waldrum had shared time together as part of the Nigeria Women’s National Team, where Waldrum, appointed as head coach in 2020, led the Super Falcons to a remarkable showing at the World Cup.
Echegini had been a key part of the historic squad that secured Nigeria’s sole World Cup victory during the summer, triumphing over co-host Australia 3-2 and reaching the Round of 16.
Fast forward to October, and Echegini found herself facing off against Waldrum once again, this time on the field in Tallahassee, where the Seminoles clashed with the Panthers, with Deborah Abiodun also in the starting lineup for Pittsburgh.
Echegini’s goal, coming three minutes after Jordynn Dudley’s score, tied her for the team’s top spot in goals and marked her first goal against her former national team coach.
After the match, Echegini expressed her satisfaction with her goal, saying, “It always feels good when I can contribute to my team’s success. It’s a nice feeling to score against my former coach from Nigeria, but, honestly, my priority is doing whatever it takes to help the team secure a victory.”
Echegini’s goal was of great significance, especially since Pitt managed to find the net in the 81st minute. Had Echegini not added what appeared to be an insurance goal, the game could have easily ended in a draw.
Coach Waldrum of Pitt acknowledged Echegini’s prowess near the goal and lamented his team’s failure to close her down. He remarked, “She’s very skilled around the goal, but we didn’t mark her closely. We didn’t challenge her. Our defenders stayed off her by about two yards and never closed her down. A talented player like her will make you pay if you don’t apply pressure,” Waldrum said.
