Former WSU Standout Umotong On Nigeria's Women's World Cup Roster

Former Wright State women’s soccer player Ini Umotong has been named to the 23-player Nigerian 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup team. The tournament began on Saturday, June 6 and will run until Sunday, July 5, in Canada.

"It's an incredible feeling to know I'll be representing Nigeria at a World Cup," Umotong said.  "It still feels like a dream, one I'll be trying to make last for as long as possible this summer. This really is the biggest thing I've done so far in my life."

Nigeria will play in Group D of the FIFA World Cup along with the United States, Sweden and Australia.  Nigeria's first action will be Monday, June 8 versus Swedenm followed by a tilt against Australia on Friday, June 12. Nigeria will close group play on Tuesday, June 16, taking on the United States. The first two matches will be played at Winnepeg Stadium with the US tilt at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver.  Most games will air on the Fox Network.

"I am very proud of Ini, and all that she has accomplished in making the final roster for her National Team," WSU head coach Patrick Ferguson said.  "We look forward to seeing her do well and represent Wright State University.  It speaks very highly of our program that we have recently had a player return from Holland after playing professionally for three years there.  Also, we currently have a former player playing professionally in the highest league in Germany.  And now we have a former player participating in the World Cup."

Nigeria secured its ticket to Canada 2015 by winning its seventh African Women's Championship in Namibia in October, winning all five matches they played and beating Cameroon 2-0.  Umotong will wear number 11.

The 21-year-old Umotong, who grew up in Birmingham, England, played for the Raiders during the 2012 and 2013 seasons when she scored 11 goals and notched two assists in 38 games with 90 shots. She was named the Horizon League Newcomer of the Year in 2012 after tying for the League lead with seven goals.

WSURaiders.com will have updates throughout the tournament.  The Raiders open the 2015 season at Louisville on August 21.  WSU has won 101 games in the last 10 years under Ferguson as head coach.