Rising teenage football star, Echefu Jecinta Chinelo, marked her 15th birthday in style on Friday, July 18, 2025, with a stunning photo shoot and a passionate birthday wish — a win for the Super Falcons in their crucial WAFCON 2024 quarterfinal clash against Zambia.
The Ibom Angels goalkeeper, affectionately known by fans and teammates as “Nwa Nwabali001,” released dazzling birthday portraits to celebrate not just another year of life, but her steady growth in the beautiful game.
While the occasion was filled with joy and reflection, Jecinta’s biggest birthday request was far from materialistic — it was patriotic.
“I give God the glory for another day to witness my birthday anniversary,” she told Sports247. “I wish the Super Falcons can give me a victory against Zambia to make it a double celebration. That would be the best gift for me.”
The Super Falcons face a stern test against the Copper Queens of Zambia, with a place in the WAFCON semi-finals hanging in the balance.
As a budding talent with dreams of representing Nigeria at the U-17 level and eventually with the senior national team, Jecinta expressed her unwavering support.
“I am with them in prayers,” she added. “I wish them an injury-free game and the best of luck to accomplish the task ahead.”
Jecinta has already begun carving a name for herself with her performances for Ibom Angels. However, her passion extends beyond her current success — it’s deeply rooted in her admiration for Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, whose influence has earned her the nickname “Nwa Nwabali001.”
“I love the way he carries himself in goal — his composure, his handling, and the way he smiles when he catches the ball,” she said with admiration.
One of the highlights of her young career came when she met Nwabali in person at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo during Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 qualifier against Zimbabwe.
“His performance at AFCON made me love him more. Meeting him in person was a dream come true and helped me stay focused on my own goals.”
Although she jokingly admitted that she’s yet to receive anything tangible from her idol — despite sharing her account details through a coach — Jecinta stressed that her admiration is based on inspiration, not expectation.
“It’s not about what he gives. It’s about what I gain by watching and learning from him. Though he told me to give my account number to one of the coaches, he is yet to get back,” she laughed.
As she steps into a new year of life and football, Echefu Jecinta remains grounded, determined, and full of dreams — especially the one where she proudly wears the green and white of the Super Falcons, inspiring the next generation, just as she’s been inspired.
