Umotong Delighted With Super Falcons Invitation

Brighton & Hove Albion striker Ini Umotong has expressed her delight at being called up to the Super Falcons squad ahead of a friendly tournament in Turkey next week.

She is expected to team up with the Nigerian team for the Turkish Women’s Cup – Alanya 2018.

Speaking about the surprising invitation via her club’s website, Umotong said: “It was a feeling of shock, excitement and anxiousness. I was so excited, as I’ve been waiting for a call-up for a long time and it was really emotional.

“The new coach Thomas Dennerby emailed me, and my heart stopped a bit when I found out that it had all been confirmed.

“My family were very happy and proud once they found out, and I’m so pleased with how it’s all turned out.” She added.

On the difference between club football and international football, she said: “I’ve been called up twice before. I have one official cap and I was called up to the Nigeria squad for the World Cup in 2015, but didn’t make any appearances.

“It was definitely the best experience of my career so far and I just turned 21 at the time. I played against Mali in Mali for my debut in February 2015.

“The playing style is completely different, but I loved it as it was really fast-paced and physical. It was a playing style I adapted to and took back to my playing club. I learned so much being around that standard.” Umotong further stated.

Ini Umotong also explained why she decided to pick Nigeria ahead of England.

In her words, she said: “I was born in Nigeria and I came over to the UK as a one year old, so I have dual nationality and two passports.

“The thought was always there [to play for England]. I was called up to a couple of youth camps at under-15 level, so I always had the possibility to play for England.

“But Nigeria suited my playing style more, as they’re very direct and physical, so it just felt right to play for Nigeria.” she concluded.