Jennifer Echegini, a Super Falcons star, is thrilled with her first-ever professional hat-trick after Juventus defeated Fiorentina 4-0 in the Serie A Femminile TIM.
At the Stadio Comunale Vittorio Pozzo Lamarmora in Biella, the 23-year-old’s outstanding performance helped Juventus win for the first time since defeating Napoli 4-1 on February 18.
Echegini, who transferred from the Florida State Seminoles to the Black & Whites in January, is currently the second-best goal scorer in the league with eight goals in as many games for the Serie A powerhouses, trailing only 33-year-old Cristiana Girelli.
Reflecting on her performance that saw them edge Fiorentina, the same side that knocked the Bianconere out of the Coppa Italia Women three weeks ago, the Falcons midfielder hoped to continue with her fine form.
“I’m, firstly, really excited, and I want to give props to my team,” the former Arsenal youth academy star said.
“For every one of those goals, we all worked for it and they’re great team goals. I really just had to put myself in the position and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without them.
“I’m really excited to have had the opportunity to be able to show what I can do; that makes me happy. I just want to make the most out of any opportunity I get, whether I score or not I want to be able to make an impact and I’m glad to have done that today.
“I know my strengths. Last year, I scored 16 goals and knowing that I always try to put myself in the best position to score, that’s one of my best attributes and I want to make use of it as best I can.”
Meanwhile, Juventus FC head coach Giuseppe Zappella could not hide his amazement at the quality and character of the Falcons midfielder.
“Joe (Echegini) has scored eight goals in just a few weeks,” Zappella said at the post-match press conference.
“She’s a quiet girl, her smiles are good for us, and she scores goals. Honestly, we don’t know what her ceiling is.
“This win gives us some reassurance after more than a month without a win. We’re very happy.”
Echegini will hope to carry her goalscoring form to the national team, where she has been included in the squad set to face South Africa this week.
The Super Eagles battle the Banyana Banyana over two legs to determine who qualifies for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
