Ezenagu's invitation to Super Falcons: A fitting reward for consistency

Maryann Ezenagu

There is reward for diligence and consistency. For Rivers Angels' Maryann Ezenagu, the time has come to reward her years of consistency. Rivers Angels announced that the striker has been called up to the Super Falcons after the team's 2-0 victory over Ghana in Lagos

Ezenagu's invitation has long been expected by followers of women's football in Nigeria. She made a name for herself at the WAFU-B Champions League playoff where Rivers Angels lost to Hasaacas Ladies of Ghana in the final.

She is pacy and her trickery is a joy to behold as she goes past defenders with ease. In one of her interviews with CAF online, she revealed that she once declined invitation to the national team in 2013 because she felt she was too young.

She began playing football from the streets of Asaba even when her father restricted her from playing football but she persisted. Ezenagu won the woman of the match award three times at the WAFU-B Champions League playoff and was the tournament's top scorer. She was also named the tournament's most valuable player.

For many years, she has been consistent and her reward has come. Coach Randy Waldrum wanted to fortify his team ahead of the difficult encounter in Accra and he invited the Rivers Angels star.

The former Delta Queens star player has represented Nigeria at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in 2016 alongside Chiamaka Nnadozie.

It is yet to be seen if Randy Waldrum will start her against Ghana. She has the pace and skill to keep Janet Egyir and the Ghanaian defense on their toes and allowing others to thrive. Randy has given NWFL stars time in the team and they have lived up to expectations. Maryann will hope to get the chance to play and to make impact, which is what she is known for.

Recently, the forward won the Most Valuable player award at the Betsy Obaseki Cup. At the WAFU Champions League playoff, she scored 7 goals and the coach of Ghana, Mercy Tagoe was one of the dignitaries that presented an award to her at the tournament. Now, she may play against Mercy Tagoe's team in Accra Ghana. Truly, consistency pays.

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Bethel Kalu is a passionate sports writer whose love for writing began as a young boy. He has been writing sports for 7 years has over 500 articles written by him.

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