Francisca Ordega has always been an inspiration.
The Nigerian International said she hoped to inspire more African players to join the W-League after becoming the first to play in the competition.
The Sydney FC striker has scored one goal since joining the Sky Blues in December, knowing she needed to make an immediate impact.
“That will make other teams be like, 'OK, we have to go more into Africa to search for other players to come over',” Ordega said. “I’ve made history; I’ve broken the yolk so it’s really cool.”
Ordega has been no stranger to Australian players, lining up against the Matildas at the 2015 World Cup in Canada.
Ordega played with Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams in Sweden and said she helped convince her to make the move down under.
“She always talk about Australia and its nice weather, people so I was like 'OK, maybe I can come over and see things myself',” Ordega said.
The 23-year-old, who helped Nigeria win the Africa Cup of Nations in 2014 and 2016, said women’s football has been growing in the country after initially being viewed as something that was just for men.
“The girls have always been there for all the FIFA competitions," Ordega said. "That really makes people more interested because we always make the country proud.
“Everyone wants to put more in female football now. Before no one viewed football as something that really suits the girls.”
