EXCLUSIVE Q & A IFEOMA DIEKE

Womans Soccer Insider caught up with Scottish international and rising star Ifeoma Dieke of the Chicago Red Stars. Ifeoma has had a great start to her 2nd stint as a professional soccer player, playing in the heart of the Red Stars defence earning praise from fellow players, coaches, sports journalist and fans. Everyone is singing the tune to Dieke.




1. Having played in the WUSA previously, how has the standard of play of the WPS been in comparison?

Looking back at the WUSA the quality of players were high, but the standard of the WPS is higher, not only have the domestic players standards improved but the international mix that can be seen throughout each squad differs which give more depth to the game and makes it a more exciting for the league.

2. Yourself and the Chicago back four and Goalkeeper have played fantastically in all the games. What do you attribute this to?
I think it’s a combination of good communication which comes from the experience led by our fantastic goalkeeper, youth which gives us the energy, desire, determination and the fact that we all want to get better and have the tightest defense in the league.

3. What player has so far been your toughest opponent that you have come up against in the league?

Australian Sarah Walsh of Sky Blue, she is one tough customer.

4. What was the atmosphere like in the locker room after the 4-0 win against Boston Breakers?

It was relief and great satisfaction, we have been working so hard in training offensively and sometimes in games that hasn’t shone through, so for everything to finally click was an amazing feeling for us all.

5. How have the team bonded off the field?

Every week 1 player on the team invites the team round and they cook, we eat and we get to hang out very relaxed away from the training field. Also, most of us live in close proximity of one another so we do the usual things like going to the movies, shopping etc.

6. Have you managed to do a bit of sightseeing in Chicago? What’s the best thing you have seen?

I haven’t been sightseeing yet, the weather has not been so good, I’ve heard summers in Chicago is really good so I’m waiting for the real sun to come out ☺ so I can really explore the city.


7. Chicago is a great sports town. How have the public responded to the Red Stars?

It has been great, through difficult methods of publicity, whether it is attending the cubs/white sox baseball games or going to the globe pub and interacting with fans there, the public reaction in Chicago has been positive and we hope it continues to grow as we continue to grow as a Women’s professional organization.


8. Have any of your Scotland team mates talked to you about wanting to play in the WPS?

Yes, they are all keen to know how I am getting along and they know with hard work and perseverance that they too can make it one day, so they keep an eye out on what’s going on.

9. With the World Cup in Germany coming soon. How important is it for Scotland to qualify and be part of celebration of women’s soccer?

It is always important to be in contention with major tournaments, to qualify would be unbelievable, after going so close to the European championships, we are looking to learn from that and keep building for the future. We understand that it is going to be difficult but we are up


10. Finally… What does it mean to you to be a professional soccer player?

This is my dream, I was fortunate to be involved in WUSA in its last year of existence but to be involved in WPS right from the beginning is brilliant, I feel lucky to have a second opportunity and I’m going to make the most of it.