Introducing Andrea Okene: Spanish-born former Valencia forward who is keen on representing Nigeria

Goals win you games, but chance creation fabricates these match winners. The forward line of Nigeria's senior women's national team, the Super Falcons, is amongst the most respected on the continent.

The searing pace of Rasheedat Ajibade and Uchenna Kanu on the wings, spearheaded by one of the greatest female footballers the continent has ever seen in the form of Asisat Oshoala, can be a nightmare for any defense.

Despite the pedigree of the country's attackers, the Nigerian forward line isn't exactly the most lethal. 

In fact, with all its firepower, one could say that the team is one of the best at defending than it is at actually finding the back of the net as seen at last year's FIFA Women's World Cup and the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Most times, lack of adequate squad depth for rotation could be a factual cause of the team's attacking woes in front of goal.

Aside from Ajibade, Kanu and Gift Monday being the only traditional wingers on the team, there were times where Jennifer Echegini or Toni Payne who are attacking midfielders had to man these positions to salvage the team in desperate times.

Yet out of the ashes of these lying problems, an option for rotation has arrived from Spain, Andrea Okene.

Born November 30, 2001 to a Nigerian father and a Spanish mother, she currently plays for the B-team of Costa Adeje Tenerife Egatesa. 

The 22-year-old is a product of Levante UD's academy and joined Valencia in 2021 featuring mainly for the club's B-team before departing to join Zaragoza CFF in 2023. 

She then made the switch to her current club  earlier this year.

The forward qualifies to play for the Super Falcons through her Nigerian father, and has attended a Spain U16 training camp in the past. 

In a chat with allnigeriasoccer.com, Okene's agent revealed that his client is open to an opportunity to don Nigeria's green and white jersey, and that she will not reject a call-up if it ever comes.

A winger capable of playing on either side of the pitch, Okene will be a solid long term addition to the Super Falcons forward line. 

Her integration into the squad will mean that the team will have a better squad depth and a utility forward in times where they'll need such.

In addition, with the mentorship of experienced wingers like Ajibade and Kanu, Okene's technical ability, and commitment to serving her fatherland can only get better.

Also, the presence of Gift Monday and Rinsola Babajide at the club's first team, could play a huge role in convincing the young forward to remain fixed on her decision to represent Nigeria.

The Nigerian Football Federation must move quickly to secure her allegiance, in order to avoid any potential competition for her country of birth.

Ejim Kaycee

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