Chiamaka Nnadozie’s Stellar Performance and Christy Ucheibe’s Continued Success
Chiamaka Nnadozie, a pivotal figure in the Nigerian national team, concluded her tenure at Paris FC with a remarkable final season. Her standout moment was undoubtedly the historic victory against rivals PSG in the cup final. Nnadozie’s heroics in the penalty shootout, saving two spot-kicks, secured Paris FC’s first major trophy in nearly two decades. Beyond this triumphant moment, Nnadozie consistently delivered impressive performances throughout the season. In 19 league appearances, she maintained 10 clean sheets, showcasing her shot-stopping prowess with a save rate of 78.1%. These accomplishments solidified her position as the top performing Nigerian female player abroad, further cementing her status as a two-time CAF Goalkeeper of the Year. Meanwhile, Christy Ucheibe continued her impressive run with Benfica, adding more silverware to her collection. Ucheibe played a key role in Benfica’s fifth consecutive domestic double, winning both the Campeonato Nacional (league) and the Taça da Liga (cup title). Her contributions included two goals and an assist in 12 league appearances, showcasing her impact on the team’s dominant performance, accumulating 62 points throughout the season. She also found the net in the cup competition, adding to her tally during their triumphant run. Ucheibe’s consistent performances since joining Benfica in 2020 have become synonymous with the club’s continued success.
Rinsola Babajide’s Goal-Scoring Prowess and Gift Monday’s Impactful Half-Season
Rinsola Babajide enjoyed a breakout season with Tenerife in the Spanish Women’s topflight, reaching double figures in goals and providing a substantial number of assists. Her 10 goals and five assists accounted for a significant portion of Tenerife’s total goals, demonstrating her importance to the team’s attacking output. Babajide’s contributions propelled Tenerife to a respectable sixth-place finish in La Liga Femenina, and her goal-scoring prowess earned her a spot among the league’s top ten scorers. Gift Monday, despite only playing half a season with Tenerife before transferring to the Washington Spirit in the NWSL, made a significant impact during her time in Spain. She finished as the club’s joint top scorer alongside Babajide with 10 goals in just 19 appearances, displaying remarkable efficiency in front of goal.
Jennifer Echegini’s Debut Season and Rasheedat Ajibade’s Injury-Affected Campaign
Jennifer Echegini made a memorable debut for PSG, contributing consistently despite the team failing to secure major titles. Echegini adapted quickly to her new environment, showcasing her attacking abilities with seven goals and four assists in 18 league appearances. She continued her scoring form in the cup competition, adding two more goals to her tally. While PSG ultimately fell short in their pursuit of silverware, Echegini’s performances demonstrated her potential and promise for future seasons. Rasheedat Ajibade, captain of the Super Falcons, endured a challenging final season with Atletico Madrid, hampered by injury. Despite these setbacks, Ajibade still managed to contribute seven goals and three assists in 22 appearances, demonstrating her resilience and quality. While Atletico finished third in the league behind Barcelona and Real Madrid, Ajibade’s impact was evident whenever she took the field. Her earlier form in the season, including becoming the first winner of the Spanish Women’s topflight Player of The Month Award, showcased her capabilities and highlighted the unfortunate impact of the injuries she sustained.
Toni Payne’s Adaptation to the WSL and Tosin Demehin and Francisca Ordega’s Transfers
Toni Payne faced difficulties adapting to the English Women’s Super League (WSL) following her transfer from Sevilla to Everton. While she ultimately contributed one goal and five assists, her overall impact was limited compared to her previous performances. The transition to a new league and team presented challenges, and Payne will be looking to improve and establish herself more firmly in the WSL in upcoming seasons. Tosin Demehin made a move from Stade Reims to Galatasaray, marking a significant step in her career. However, limited data availability makes it difficult to assess her performance and influence at the Turkish club. Further information would be needed to evaluate her contribution to the team’s success. Francisca Ordega, having returned to the national team setup, made a career-enhancing move to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, joining forces with defender Ashleigh Plumptre. This transfer represents a significant opportunity for Ordega to further her career in a new and developing league.
Overall Assessment of Nigerian Players Abroad
The 2024/25 season witnessed a mix of triumphs and challenges for Nigerian female footballers playing abroad. Chiamaka Nnadozie’s outstanding performances and Christy Ucheibe’s continued success highlight the top tier of Nigerian talent on the international stage. Rinsola Babajide’s goal-scoring exploits and Gift Monday’s impactful half-season further demonstrate the growing pool of attacking talent. Jennifer Echegini’s promising debut season offers encouragement for the future. While Rasheedat Ajibade’s campaign was affected by injury, her contributions remained significant. The experiences of Toni Payne, Tosin Demehin, and Francisca Ordega underscore the diverse paths and varying levels of success experienced by Nigerian players abroad. The continued development and performance of these players will be crucial for the future success of the Nigerian national team and the growth of women’s football in the country.
