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Nkwocha equals Enyeama’s centurion record
In from Nifemi Ejiro….
Super Falcons’ striker, Perpetua Nkwocha, has expressed delight on her international record chase as she wins her 101st senior cap for Nigeria if she plays in Tuesday’s FIFA Women’s World Cup Group D clash with the United States of America in Vancouver.
The elegant striker, who won her first cap for Nigeria in a friendly with Ghana’s Black Queens in Lagos in May 1999, won her 100th cap when she came in for Desire Oparanozie against Australia in Winnipeg on Friday.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Ripples, Nkwocha said, “It will be dream come true because I was not aware of the record. I just like doing what I like doing best by playing for my country.
She added that, “It is as a privilege to play for Nigeria and it is the same privilege that has earned me many accolades like winning the African Women Footballer of the year for a record of four times.”
Playing against the USA team will bring her at par with Super Eagles’ goalkeeper and skipper Vincent Enyeama, who won his 101st cap in the 2-0 defeat of Chad in Saturday’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Kaduna.
“Chasing Vincent Enyeama’s record is something to behold because it’s not easy for players in this cline of the world to reach the century mark.
“I want to specially appreciate my current coaching crew and all the coaches I have played under not forgetting my teammates both old and new for their contribution to my successful national team career,” she revealed.
In her meritorious 16-year international career, not only did Nkwocha become Nigeria’s first woman ‘Centurion’ when she played against Australia last Friday, she also became the oldest player in the history of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, at 39 years and 19 days.
The previous holder of the record, Meg of Brazil, was 39 years 18 days when she featured at the 1995 finals in Sweden.
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