​Chioma Ubogagu: Six Weeks' Notice

Arsenal Ladies striker Chi Ubogagu updates us on life in the Women's Super League and earning a spot in the side's starting 11.

APRIL 18, 2015

There's a scene in 500 Days of Summer where Joseph Gordon-Levitt's character Tom Hansen is absolutely buzzing after being romantically linked to a work colleague he had a crush on for months. On his way to work he struts through the city of Los Angeles jubilant, grinning like the happiest man in the world. Random civilians and even the UCLA marching band begin dancing with Tom to Halls & Oates "You Making My Dreams Come True". The song plays the entire scene, and there's Tom Hansen front and centre, grooving in the streets with joy. I felt the same as Tommy boy when my manger Pedro said I had earned my first start.

After a sharp week of training we were off to Manchester to take on Man City. I've never been anywhere in England besides London, so I was really excited to see another city. After four hours our coach pulled up to the nicest Hilton I have ever stayed in. It was in the heart of Manchester, and our room contained a floor to ceiling window that provided us with a superb city view.

That night at dinner we all watched Arsenal claim their spot in another FA Cup Final. Well, all of us except Carla. She accidentally shut her finger in a door and was feeling a little faint. To be fair to Carla, the room doors were heavier than most – so I can only imagine how painful that felt on her poor phalange! After dinner everyone returned to their rooms feeling motivated to get a win –just like the boys.

APRIL 19, 2015

GAME DAY! After breakfast we went for a walk as a team. It was a brisk morning, and Manchester looked stunning. I remember every building in the city added to its personality. The most memorable part of the walk for me however was when Pedro pulled me aside.

Pedro said I had earned my first start; he said I have been training well, had been doing what has been asked of me, and he felt comfortable giving me the go ahead. Third match, first start – as early as it may seem I felt ready to attack a full 90.

I wish I could say I had this whole Rocky-like preparation, but I always aim to prepare in the locker room and warm up on the pitch like I am starting even if I'm not. The only aspect that was different in this pre-game was me smiling for the starting XI picture. But as soon as that whistle blew, the smile was out of sight.

City were great opponents. The pace of the game was incredibly fast, even more so than the previous games against Notts County and Bristol Academy. I can honestly say I didn't do much right. My touch was off, and I misplaced more passes than I completed. I was getting extremely discouraged and doubting my abilities, but what kept me afloat was scoring – after a great pass sequence from Dani to Vicky to me – right before the half. That's the craziness of the beautiful game: one moment can change everything. The goal ended up being the only one of the match, but it still ended up being the only positive moment I had the entire game. There were many other positives to take from the match though. We stole three big points away from home, we remained undefeated in the league, and I was grateful for the exposure to more minutes. Onwards and upwards.

APRIL 24, 2015

In pre season Pedro came up with the idea of having a social gathering to celebrate a winning streak. We are undefeated so far in the league, so on Friday after training we had a team picnic! We split up the contributions by positions, making plenty of food for the occasion. The strikers were in charge of desserts – but I soon found out I was in charge of entertainment, too.

Since I was new to the team, I had to give a song and dance performance – not just in front of my team-mates, but the staff too! Apparently it is something all Gooners have done, but I was suspicious of the historic precedence of this so-called 'tradition'. Luckily I wasn't the only new gun having to face initiation, so in the end it wasn't too painful.

May 16, 2015

I had my first media appearance! My roommate Mitch and I drove to Hertfordshire to support a U12-U17 girls' football tournament. It was really great to see young girls being active and getting into the sport at an early age. Mitch and I watched a few games, talked with a few of the girls, and handed out trophies at the ceremony.

May 23-June 1, 2015

Our league is now on a break for the World Cup this summer. It'll kick off again in July. Meanwhile, I am able to go home for a brief time to walk at my university graduation! I am super excited to see my family and friends. Right now, I am currently with the U23 USA national team in Norway where we play Norway, Sweden, and England. I'm really excited to compete internationally again, especially against England where I'll be up against my roommate and teammate Jemma.