US U-17 star of Nigerian descent Onyeka Gamero warns Flamingos ahead of Friday clash

Says she loves to draw in defenders

Adefala TopeOctober 19, 2022

0 482 2 minutes read

Onyeka Gamero in action for US U-17 against India

US U-17 Women’s National Team forward Onyeka Gamero has sent a warning signal to Nigeria U-17 Women’s team, Flamingos ahead of their quarterfinal clash on Friday.

Nigeria and US will play in the first quarterfinal at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai on Friday, by 12pm Nigerian time.

Free-scoring US U-17 led by highly rated Onyeka Gamero who is of Nigerian descent through one of his parents will fancy their chances against Flamingos.

And Onyeka Gamero in an interview with US Soccer revealed one of her secrets that coach Olowokere and his Flamingos must pay rapt attention to.

“On the field, it’s always about trying to be craftier than your defender, making her move the way you want her to move,” said Gamero.

“I love to draw in defenders, then move the ball as they dive in. You have to have patience to wait for them to bite.

“Sometimes you speed up and sometimes you slow down, and when they freeze for that moment, that’s when you’re past them.

“Like surfing, the hardest part is the beginning, but when you feel that separation from your defender and you’re running at goal, that’s when you have the most fun.”

Apart from revealing that she likes to take on opposition defenders in 1v1, Onyeka Gamero also said she enjoys playing with her full-backs.

“My favorite thing is when so many people connect with the ball,” said Gamero.

“I usually have a very good relationship with the outside backs on my side (Gisele Thompson for country and Keira Wagner and Leilah Raad for club) and I love to combine.

“I do like to dribble and use my special skills, but I want to use them to benefit the team and help my teammates too. That’s really satisfying.

“Anywhere on the field, your first touch is super important, but especially on the wing when defenders are running at you and trying to close you down,” she said.

“You have to be able to freeze them with that first touch. You have to know how to position your body, how to use space, how to use their momentum against them, and that takes many games and many pieces of training of just trying things.”

Onyeka Gamero plays on the attacking right side of USA 4-3-3 has scored 1 goal in three games.