My Journey from Injury to Triumph with the Super Falcons, Okoronkwo

Winning our tenth title feels amazing. We faced many challenges, both as individuals and as a team. Many players, including me, were coming back from injuries. I could have played in the 2022 tournament, but I tore my ACL. For the 2024 tournament, I did not put too much pressure on myself, even though many had high hopes for the team. I was just happy that we won and brought the trophy home. More Nigerians know me now. People recognize me when I go out. It feels like love everywhere. I appreciate all the little things, and the reception is always warm.

It is a big honor to be recognized for helping the team. Nigeria is still number one in Africa. Some might not see it as important, but it is a major achievement. We have held that position for several years. On a personal level, it feels good when people tell me they know me from the WAFCON.

Seeing my name recognized was a big moment for me. I was so excited that I posted a video of myself dancing on Snapchat. I have come a long way, so being nominated felt like a great honor. I was really happy and excited.

I already have motivation from our last win. I am not focused on winning an individual award for the next tournament. That is in the past. My aim is to repeat our success and defend the trophy. Winning it is what matters most to me. If the country is happy, then I am happy.

It is a tough competition, and any country can surprise you. You cannot take any team lightly. You have to prepare well for every opponent. Every team has areas to improve because none are perfect. It is about finding those areas and working on them together. We need to play with love and chemistry, support each other, show up when it counts, and play as a team.

Our coach started with us in 2023, after the World Cup. Every coach has different tactics and expectations. It is great to have a coach who lets you express yourself on the pitch. With him, I can play freely as a number nine without sticking to one position. I can drop deeper and show what I can do.

I have a lot to prove. I want to show everyone what I can do, even with injuries. I have been injured for a long time and have not always been able to show my full potential. I am glad I was able to show some of it in the last tournament.

I was very happy with our performance. With the national team, anything is possible. I play with many talented players who make my job easier. They know I will find them, and they position themselves well, which helps me too.

The assist for the winning goal in the final stands out for me. That was with Joe Echegini. We were two goals down and came back. We had a final free-kick chance, and we completed the comeback. I believe it was the most important goal we scored in the entire tournament.

I enjoy both scoring and assisting. It doesn't matter if I score, assist, or help in another way, as long as the team wins. My main goal is for the team to win. When we win, I feel happy.

I do not want to sound arrogant, but it comes naturally to me. I have always had it, and I am glad I can show it at a high level. Ronaldo and Messi have inspired me, as have my teammates in the national team. I always learn from the great players around me. I do not want people to think I am claiming to be better than Messi.

Team camps are really important. They help players come together, play together, and build chemistry. Even in the short time we have, we learn and adjust to what each player wants. It would be better if we could use every FIFA camp window without anything stopping players from attending. That is how a team builds chemistry.

We connected quickly during training. Chemistry is key both on and off the pitch. We love and care for each other. We are like sisters, and we want the best for one another. That bond shows on the field, and I think that is what everyone saw.

The coach makes the decisions, and I cannot change that. He saw what he saw. My main aim was to come in and help the team as much as I could. I wanted to do my best to support the team.

My deliveries are not always perfect. I want to find my teammates more often and be a better team player. I also want to keep the right mindset, play well, and contribute more. There is always room for improvement because no one is perfect. I want to better my game and strengthen my connection with the team.

I think it is great that we should eventually have 32 teams because that means more countries in the tournament. Sixteen teams should have been the minimum. It gives opportunities for countries that have never played to show Africa and the world what they can do. They are not there just for fun. There will be pressure, but what matters is how we handle it as a team. Qualification for the World Cup is the ultimate goal. Every country will fight for one of the four spots. It will be an exciting tournament, and I am looking forward to it.

Continuous support is very important. I appreciate that Nigerian supporters always have our backs, no matter what. Their support will help us reach our goals.