Super Falcons’ Uchendu makes move to Melbourne City from Nantes

A fresh chapter begins for Chinaza Uchendu, who has officially transferred from FC Nantes to Australia’s Melbourne City FC ahead of the 2025/26 A-League Women’s season.

The 27 year old forward signed after completing her stint in France, adding more international depth to a career that has taken her from Rivers Angels in Nigeria to SC Braga, Linköping FC, Gyeongju KHNP, and Galatasaray.

Melbourne City’s Director of Football, Michael Petrillo, lauded Uchendu’s versatility and international experience, saying her attacking flair and adaptability will provide “flexibility and options in our front third.”

Expressing her excitement, Uchendu described the move as “an honour” and welcomed the opportunity to join a club “with such a strong reputation and commitment to excellence.” She added that she was eager to help deliver silverware and contribute positively on the pitch.

Melbourne City, part of the City Football Group, have enjoyed strong performances in recent seasons, including a run to the AFC Women’s Champions League final. Uchendu’s addition is seen as a reinforcement of their ambitions both domestically and on the continental front.

Editorial

We view Chinaza Uchendu’s move to Melbourne City as a strategic and timely step in her career. Having already plied her trade in Nigeria, Portugal, Sweden, South Korea, Turkey, and France, she brings a wealth of international experience that could well reignite her trajectory as a top forward. This is not a mere change of scenery—it is a chance to reset, rebuild, and reaffirm her quality in a new environment.

Her time at Nantes may not have been prolific in terms of goals, but it served as a platform to maintain her form and visibility. Taking on Australia’s A-League Women’s competition offers Uchendu a stage to rediscover her scoring touch and influence matches more decisively. Melbourne City, known for their winning culture and competitive mindset, could benefit significantly from Uchendu’s presence in the squad.

We trust that Uchendu’s adaptability, mental toughness, and prior exposure to diverse footballing styles give her an edge in navigating this transition. If she can tap into the attacking instincts she showed earlier in her career in Portugal and beyond there is reason to believe that she can become a pivotal figure in City’s front line.

The defining factor will be how quickly she integrates with her new teammates and how effectively the coaching staff harnesses her strengths. For Uchendu, the challenge is clear: to turn potential into consistent performance and help Melbourne City maintain their lofty ambitions. We believe she has both the experience and the mindset to do just that. This is her moment to shape a compelling new era.

Did You Know?

1. Uchendu converted a crucial penalty in the shootout that secured Nigeria’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in 2018.
2. Her first European club was SC Braga, which she joined in July 2018 after leaving Rivers Angels.
3. During her spell at Braga, Uchendu contributed to 13 goal involvements over 43 appearances.
4. Uchendu featured for Nigeria at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, helping the team reach the Round of 16.
5. Melbourne City have dominated Australia’s A-League Women’s competition since their debut, winning several championships and premierships making Uchendu’s arrival a clear push for further success.