Nigerian striker Chinaza Uchendu has completed a move to FC Nantes Féminine in France’s Première Ligue, signing a one year contract that will keep her at the club until June 2025. The 26 year old forward makes this transfer from Galatasaray SK, the Turkish champions, after playing a vital role in their successful season.
FC Nantes confirmed Uchendu’s signing through a statement on their official website, expressing excitement about her addition to the squad. Uchendu brings a wealth of experience, having played for several clubs, including SC Braga, Linkoping FC, and Gyeongju KHNP, demonstrating her adaptability across different leagues.
Uchendu has also represented Nigeria at the international level, featuring in the 2016 Women’s World Cup, where she scored a goal. She was part of the Super Falcons squad that won the 2018 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, playing a pivotal role in the final against South Africa, where she successfully converted a penalty in the decisive shootout.
Upon joining FC Nantes, Uchendu shared her excitement about the new challenge, stating I am thrilled to join FC Nantes. This is a new championship for me, but I have fond memories of France from my time during the 2019 World Cup. She recalled playing in front of large crowds and facing elite players, expressing her eagerness to create new memories with her new club.
During her tenure at SC Braga, Uchendu was involved in 13 goals across 43 appearances in all competitions, highlighting her impact and consistency at the highest levels of football.
Editorial
We believe Chinaza Uchendu’s move to FC Nantes Féminine is a positive step in her career and for Nigerian women’s football on the global stage. The transition from Galatasaray, where she achieved considerable success, to a new challenge in France’s Première Ligue underscores the versatility and ambition that Uchendu brings to her game.
This transfer also highlights the increasing visibility of African female footballers in European leagues. More than ever, players like Uchendu are breaking barriers, proving that African talent can thrive in the top tiers of women’s football globally. For Nigeria, a country with a rich football heritage, this move represents another chapter in the ongoing story of Nigerian athletes shining on the international scene.
However, the challenge is not just for Uchendu but for FC Nantes as well. With a player of her calibre joining their ranks, the club is signalling its intentions to strengthen its position in the French league. Uchendu’s arrival could provide the attacking edge the team needs to compete at the highest level. It’s not just about her goal-scoring prowess; her experience across multiple leagues will add depth to the squad, allowing FC Nantes to benefit from her wide ranging skill set.
As she embarks on this new journey, we are confident that Uchendu will not only meet expectations but exceed them. Her consistent track record suggests that she thrives under pressure, and her international experience with Nigeria has prepared her well for the rigours of European football. Fans of FC Nantes and Nigerian football alike will be watching closely as Uchendu seeks to leave her mark in France.
This move could also inspire other young Nigerian female footballers to dream bigger, seeing Uchendu as a role model who has successfully navigated the path from local leagues to the international stage. Her journey is proof that hard work and talent, when combined, can open doors to global opportunities.
Did You Know?
- Chinaza Uchendu was part of the Nigerian Super Falcons squad that won the 2018 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
- FC Nantes Féminine competes in France’s top-tier women’s football league, the Première Ligue.
- Nigeria has produced several prominent female footballers, including Asisat Oshoala, who plays for FC Barcelona Femení.
- Uchendu has played in multiple countries, including Portugal, Sweden, South Korea, and Turkey, showcasing her ability to adapt to different football environments.
- The Nigerian women’s national football team, the Super Falcons, is one of the most successful teams in Africa, with a record 11 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations titles.
