Ifeanyi Chiejine relishes return to soccer

Ifeanyi first got injured just before the 2003 Women World Cup and also had a severe head injury in the Falcons training camp in preparation for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games and was out of action until late into 2004 football season.

“I had to leave camp shortly after the head injury in Ibadan, just before the game against Ghana. Ever since then I was left alone by the NFA, treated like an outcast. I started asking myself if I was really Nigerian. But I’m glad to be back, just like any other player will be glad to be back, but I must say it is terrible in a country like Nigeria that when you are injured, it does not matter what you have done for your club or country, every one forgets you.”

“It was a frustrating time for me, but thank God I overcame the trial period and am now at the top of my game? Ifeanyi told nigeriasports.com.

“People say I played well during the FA Cup and Super Six, but for me, returning to the game is all that matters. For now I do not care how well I play. I know I will only get better as I play more games, until I return to what I was before.”
Ifeanyi was Most Valuable Player for her club Pelican Stars of Calabar in both the FA Cup and the Super six last year.

In one of the Super Six matches, Pelican stars were two goals down to eventual Champions, Bayelsa Queens in the first half, but late in the second half, Ifeanyi curled home two free kicks to end the game at 2-2 and save the blushes of her side.

“I’m still learning every day, and if people say I am good, I only smile at them knowing that means I have to sit up and improve on my weak points. I have always practiced free kicks and I am happy that I have begun to score them in match situations.

After three seasons at Pelican stars of Calabar, Ifeanyi would not commit herself to any club for 2005, despite the fact that she did not seem too happy with the Calabar based club.

“We are still in the second week of the New Year and you already want to know if I will still remain at Pelican Stars? I say let us all have patience. The new season does not start until March so I guess there is still enough time to do what we want to do so when it is time, you will know where I will play. Besides, my contract with Pelican stars expired at the end of 2004 so be patient and see whether I will stay back in Calabar or move on.”