“I kept trying in training”: Uroko reveals the secret behind the impressive free kick against USFA

Edo Queens midfielder Valentina Uroko has revealed that her impressive free kick against USFA was a result of repeated practice in training, after the Nigerian champions reached the final of the CAF Women’s Champions League WAFU-B qualifying tournament with a resounding 5-1 victory.

READ ALSO: Edo Queens down USFA 5-1, Storm WAFU-B Champions League final

Uroko had a moment of brilliance at Ouagadougou’s Stade 4 Août 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 practiced this technique repeatedly during training and was delighted to finally see a goal on the continental stage.

“I practice it in training and it’s something I kept trying, so I’m happy it went well today,” Uroko said.

His spectacular goal came in the 45th minute, shortly after Chioma Moses had doubled Edo Queens’ lead.

Earlier, Atume Doosuur had opened the scoring in the 17th minute as the reigning NWFL champions took 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 team in the 62nd minute, putting the match out of USFA’s reach before the hosts grabbed a consolation goal in the 91st minute.

The resounding result sends Edo Queens to the WAFU-B final, keeping alive their hopes of regional glory and qualification for the CAF Women’s Champions League.

The Benin-based team had started their campaign with a remarkable 7-0 thrashing of Niger Republic’s AS Garde Nationale, followed by a 3-1 victory over ASEC Mimosas in their first two Group B matches.

Their only defeat came in their final group match, when Ghanaian champions Ampem Darkoa Ladies beat them 2-1 on Sunday.

Edo Queens could now face Ampem Darkoa again in the final, opening 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 stay focused and not get carried away because we are not there yet,” she added.

For Uroko, the spectacular free kick was the reward for consistency in training. For Edo Queens, however, the biggest prize is now within reach.