Paris 2024 Olympics: Cleared for Take-off (Jennifer Onyi Echegini)

Juventus playmaker Jennifer ‘Joe’ Onyi Echegini discusses Nigeria’s evolving squad ahead of the Paris Olympics, having turned pro in January after a decorated college career in Florida that yielded the MAC Hermann Trophy. Eligible for England or the Netherlands through her upbringing in Nijmegen and London, Echegini chose to represent her parents’ homeland and made her senior tournament debut at the 2023 World Cup, where the Super Falcons pushed England to penalties. She reflects on Nigeria’s blend of youth and experience under Randy Waldrum, the tendency of opponents to underestimate African teams on technical ability, the deepened connection to her heritage that international football has given her, and the joyous, music-filled celebrations that follow every Super Falcons win.