TheCable

Brighton and Hove Albion striker Ini Umotong says her “heart stopped a bit” when she got invited to the Super Falcons’ for the Alanya Women’s Tournament in Turkey.

Umotong, who is getting her third call-up to the team, says it was an emotional moment for her.

“It was a feeling of shock, excitement and anxiousness,” Umotong told Brighton’s website.

“I was so excited, as I’ve been waiting for a call-up for a long time and it was really emotional.

“The new coach Thomas Dennerby emailed me, and my heart stopped a bit when I found out that it had all been confirmed.

“My family were very happy and proud once they found out, and I’m so pleased with how it’s all turned out.”

“I’ve been called up twice before. I have one official cap and I was called up to the Nigeria squad for the World Cup in 2015, but didn’t make any appearances.”

The 23-year-old who holds dual nationality is also eligible to play for England.

She explained how Nigeria was the more viable option to pursue her international career.

“I was born in Nigeria and I came over to the UK as a one-year-old, so I have dual nationality and two passports,” she said.

“The thought was always there [to play for England]. I was called up to a couple of youth camps at under-15 level, so I always had the possibility to play for England.

“But Nigeria suited my playing style more, as they’re very direct and physical, so it just felt right to play for Nigeria.”

Super Falcons and seven other countries will take part in the invitational tournament in April.