Super Falcons' Onyi Echegini 'honored' to scoop coveted 10-pound MAC Hermann Trophy

Super Falcons midfielder Jennifer Onyi Echegini has reacted to making history after she claimed the 2023 MAC Hermann Trophy award. 

Echegini and Ousmane Sylla from Senegal were crowned as the winners of the Missouri Athletic Club, MAC, Trophy following a lavish annual banquet. 

The Florida State graduate was rewarded for an outing performance in 2023 for her team Seminoles. 

Echegini, 22, scored 16 goals and assisted five more to inspire the Seminoles to the NCAA Women’s national title. 

Per the MAC website, the goals scored by the Nigerian was a career-high and ACC-leading figure for her team en route to the national championship.

Echegini’s impressive display saw her become the ACC Offensive Player of the Year and Tournament MVP while also earning the United Soccer Coaches First Team All-Amerian honours.

The striker’s excellent campaign ensured she saw off competition from the University of Nebraska’s Eleanor Dale and Brigham Young of Brecken Mozingo to the coveted MAC Hermann Trophy.

The MAC Hermann Trophy, a 10-pound crystal soccer ball awarded annually since 1967, honours United Soccer Coaches National Players of the Year in NCAA. 

The Division I men’s and women’s award is based on voting conducted by member coaches. 

Reacting to the prestigious win, the new Juventus of Italy star is honoured to be the latest recipient of the revered award. 

“Truly honored and grateful to have received this year’s MAC Herman Trophy Award,” Echegini said in a post on her social media account. 

“To my coaches, teammates, family, & friends - thank you for the constant and endless support from the start of my journey. Without you, none of this would have been possible. 

“Thank you to the Missouri Athletic Club for welcoming me and making this ceremony so special,” she added.