Portugal head coach Francisco Neto reserved special praise for Super Falcons midfielder Christy Ucheibe following his side’s goalless draw against Nigeria at Estádio José Gomes in Amadora on Monday evening. Neto, speaking to reporters after the friendly, commended Ucheibe’s exceptional presence in midfield, highlighting her composure and intelligent ball distribution.
“She was everywhere,” Neto remarked. “Her reading of the game and ability to disrupt our transitions really impressed me. We knew Nigeria had physical strength, but she brought something even more discipline and clarity.”
The international friendly was part of both teams’ preparations for the upcoming 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Despite the absence of goals, the match was a fiercely contested affair, with both sides pressing high and creating limited chances. Ucheibe’s performance stood out, anchoring Nigeria’s midfield and thwarting several Portuguese advances.
This recognition comes as Ucheibe continues to establish herself as a mainstay in the Super Falcons squad. The Benfica star’s form could prove pivotal in Nigeria’s WAFCON campaign, which kicks off in early July.
Editorial
We celebrate Christy Ucheibe’s performance as a moment of pride and a warning shot to the rest of Africa. For too long, the conversation around Nigerian women’s football has focused on flair and finishing. Now, it’s time to appreciate the steel and structure that Ucheibe brings to the heart of the team.
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We believe Francisco Neto’s comments underline what fans have already seen: a player who doesn’t just fill space but controls it. Her intelligence off the ball, the calmness in possession, and her tireless tracking are all hallmarks of a mature midfielder ready for the continental spotlight.
We see in Ucheibe a symbol of Nigeria’s growing tactical discipline. Gone are the days when our midfield merely served as a bridge between defence and attack. With players like her, it becomes a platform for dominance—a space where control is asserted, not surrendered.
We assert that recognition from a European coach isn’t validation; it’s confirmation. The rest of Africa—and indeed the world should take note: Nigeria is building a team that combines power with poise, and Ucheibe is at the centre of it.
We stand firm in our belief that when WAFCON kicks off, Christy Ucheibe won’t just be a name in the squad—she’ll be the name shaping the game.
Did You Know?
- Christy Ucheibe joined Portuguese giants Benfica in 2020 and has since helped them win four consecutive league titles.
- She was part of Nigeria’s squad at the 2014 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica.
- Ucheibe completed the most tackles in the 2023 WAFCON qualifiers averaging 4.6 successful tackles per game.
- At just 23 years old, she already has over 20 caps for the Super Falcons.
- In 2022, Ucheibe became the first Nigerian woman to wear the captain’s armband for Benfica in a competitive match.
