'I love my culture' - Former Republic of Ireland U17 striker commits international future to Nigeria

Former Republic of Ireland U17 international striker of Nigerian descent Blessing Kingsley, has pledged her international future to the Super Falcons, choosing to represent Nigeria over the Girls in Green at senior level. 

Born on January 15, 2002, in Carlow, Ireland, to Nigerian parents, she currently plies her trade with the Southern Miss Golden Eagles in the USA.

Kingsley began her football journey at Presentation College, where she showcased her skills, leading to her selection for Ireland's U-17 National Team in 2018, and accumulated nine caps and scored one goal for the squad. 

Her club career ever since has been quite impressive, competing in the UEFA Champions League for Wexford's Youth team and winning numerous accolades in the SO Hotels FAI Women's Cup in 2018 and 2019, as well as the 2018 Continental Tyres National League Championship and Development Shield.

She was also named the 2018 Vikings Cup U-16 Star of the tournament, as well as the Carlow Nationalist Women's Soccer Sports Star Award in 2017, 2019, and 2020.

In the United States, Oluwaseun started in 15 of the 17 games she played as a sophomore for the Golden Eagles in 2021, scoring six goals and providing two assists. 

Her impressive performance earned her a spot on the United Soccer Coaches Third Team All-South Region. She also made the C-USA All-Freshman Team in 2020 and received the C-USA Commissioner's Honor Roll and Academic Medal in 2021.

Kingsley's decision to represent Nigeria stems from her love for her Nigerian culture and heritage. 

Despite being born and raised in Ireland, she feels a strong connection to her roots.

"It's a country I'm open to representing!! I have not gotten the chance to visit since I was born and raised in Ireland but I love my culture," Kingsley told allnigeriasoccer.com.

As a center forward, Kingsley believes her ability to hold up the ball, finish, and move in the box will greatly benefit the Super Falcons.

"I'm a centre forward and my ability to hold the ball up, my finishing and my movement in the box all can affect the Super Falcons. 

"I think my ability and presence on the team would be appreciated. I am very valuable as a player too."

A centre-forward with a very intimidating physique, kingsley was also the top scorer for Hanover Harps FC's U-16s in 2017, earning the club's Player of the year for that season in the process.

Considering her track record of impressive performances at club level, it definitely won't be a bad idea for the 22-year-old to be integrated into the current national team set up, with both Bay FC's Asisat Oshoala and Montpellier HSC's Ifeoma Onumonu already in their thirties and Chinwendu Ihezuo looking like the only option left for the future, alongside recent hat-trick hero Folashade Ijamilusi.

Ejim Kaycee

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