Edo Queens midfielder Valentina Uroko has revealed that her stunning free-kick against USFA was the result of repeated practice in training, after the Nigerian champions powered into the final of the CAF Women’s Champions League WAFU-B qualifying tournament with a commanding 5-1 victory.
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Uroko produced a moment of brilliance at the Stade 4 Août in Ouagadougou on Wednesday, scoring from an almost unimaginable position to give Edo Queens a 3-0 lead just before half-time.
The midfielder said she had repeatedly practised the technique during training and was delighted to see it finally produce a goal on the continental stage.
“I practise it in training and it is something that I kept trying, so I’m happy that it turned out good today,” Uroko said.
Her spectacular strike came in the 45th minute, shortly after Chioma Moses had doubled Edo Queens’ advantage.
Earlier, Atume Doosuur had opened the scoring in the 17th minute as the reigning NWFL champions established control of the semi-final.
Edo Queens returned from the break with even greater intensity, with Doshima Tarnum scoring directly from a corner just a minute into the second half to make it 4-0.
Aminat Folorunsho completed the scoring for the Nigerian side in the 62nd minute, effectively putting the contest beyond USFA before the hosts managed a consolation goal in the 91st minute.
The emphatic result sends Edo Queens into the WAFU-B final, keeping their hopes of regional glory and qualification for the CAF Women’s Champions League alive.
The Benin-based side had earlier opened their campaign with a remarkable 7-0 demolition of AS Garde Nationale of Niger Republic, followed by a 3-1 victory over ASEC Mimosas in their first two Group B matches.
Their only defeat came in the final group game when Ghanaian champions Ampem Darkoa Ladies edged them 2-1 on Sunday.
Edo Queens could now meet Ampem Darkoa again in the final, setting up the possibility of a rematch with the Ghanaian champions.
Despite scoring one of the highlights of the tournament and helping Edo Queens reach the final, Uroko insisted that the team must remain focused.
“I will remain focused and not carry it away because we are not there yet,” she added.
For Uroko, the spectacular free-kick was a reward for persistence in training. For Edo Queens, however, the bigger prize is now within touching distance.
