FA Cup: Arsenal v Chelsea - Preview

Chioma Ubogagu has already made a name for herself at Arsenal Ladies.

Less than one week after moving to London from California, the pacey forward volleyed into the bottom corner to earn a point for Pedro Martinez Losa’s side at Notts County in their Women’s Super League opener.

Ubogagu’s quick adjustment stretches further than her on-field displays, though. A lifelong Arsenal fan, the 22-year-old moved to Texas when she was young and went on to study film, media and premedical sciences at Stanford University.

Now back in London, Ubogagu’s next challenge will be Sunday’s FA Women’s Cup quarter-final clash against Chelsea at Meadow Park, and she cannot wait to finally feature in the historic competition.

“I thought I was going to play this season in the United States and then Pedro reached out to me,” the forward told Arsenal.com. “My brothers and my family have always been Arsenal fans so it’s a dream come true to play here.

“I’ve always felt Arsenal is where I wanted to be so to have Pedro interested was great. I came here and trained for a week, thought it over with the family and we thought it was a good fit. I’m really happy.

“The girls have been lovely, always asking if I’m alright and if I need anything. It feels like I’ve been here longer than I have because they’re so nice and I’ve made quick friends already.

“I feel like everyone’s going to compete regardless of who Pedro picks for the lineup. That’s what you want at the end of the day. If that’s me then I’m going to compete, if not then I’m going to keep working.

“I’m really excited about the Chelsea game,” she added. “I wasn’t here when that was announced so I was keeping up to date with it on Twitter and it’s an awesome draw. Everyone’s excited about it so we’ll train hard and then Sunday will come before we know it.

“I really just want to contribute to the team so the team goal is to win the league, win the FA Cup again and then hopefully get back into the Champions League. All the girls are so motivated to practice in training and are really sharp, so I’m just happy to be a part of it.”