The new year has started with a bang for Roar attacker Chioma Ubogagu, who on Tuesday night was named in England’s first training squad of 2019.
Ubogagu, who scored on her Lionesses debut late last year, has caught the eye of Head Coach Phil Neville with the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup firmly on the horizon.
“It’s pretty awesome to start the year going into camp, and with the World Cup only months away, it’s important to get into as many camps as you can,” Ubogagu said on Wednesday morning.
“You want to prove what you can do to help the team, but there are hundreds of players in the same pool so I’m grateful for the opportunity.”
TICKETS: Our first home game of 2019 at Lions Stadium
TICKETS: Kick-off the Australia Day long weekend at Suncorp Stadium
“Phil [Neville] is pretty awesome — it’s crazy that his name pops up on my phone, being a Manchester United legend — I’m an Arsenal fan for the record.
“It shows he cares a lot and it’s great to see how invested he is. He makes it very easy for the players to understand what they need to do & execute.”
For the time being however, the 26-year-old is remaining fully focused on continuing what has been a stellar debut Westfield W-League season and preparing for what is sure to be a nail-biting clash with Melbourne City at AAMI Park on Friday afternoon.
“It’s a really big match — every game can have such an impact on the ladder, that’s how close it is right now,” Ubogagu continued.
“Everyone is excited, preparation has been really good, we will be coming out firing and ready to go.”
Just four rounds of regular season football remain with an important three points on the line for two sides well in finals contention.
“They have a lot of talent, and similar to us, they’ve had a few positive results recently. We just have to come out knowing how we want to play and execute,” Ubogagu added.
Head Coach Mel Andreatta says Ubogagu’s call-up is a testament to her professionalism as well as the entire playing group’s endeavour to get the best out of one another.
“She represents the playing group – there are so many players here that are hard-working professionals who want to be better & she’s one that has been recognised,” Andreatta said.
“I’m really happy for her & she’ll be giving her best for the team while she’s here, and then the national team when she travels with them.”
Catch Friday afternoon’s clash from Melbourne LIVE on Fox Sports Ch 505, or streamed on the MyFootball Live App, from 4:20pm QLD time.
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