Official: Nigerian striker leaves Galatasaray for FC Nantes Femenine

Nigerian striker Chinaza Uchendu has officially joined FC Nantes Femenine in France’s Première Ligue on a one-year deal that will run until June 2025, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 26-year-old forward makes the move from Turkish champions Galatasaray SK, where she enjoyed a successful season, contributing significantly to the team’s league victory.

FC Nantes announced the signing through a statement on their official website, confirming Uchendu’s arrival as a boost to their attacking options.

The forward’s journey has seen her play for various clubs, including SC Braga, Linkoping FC, and Gyeongju KHNP, showcasing her versatility and skill across different leagues.

Uchendu’s experience includes representing Nigeria at the international level, having played for the Super Falcons during the 2016 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, where she scored a goal.

She was also part of Nigeria’s squad for the 2018 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, participating in the final match against South Africa and converting her penalty in a dramatic shootout that ended in favour of the Super Falcons.

Reacting to her new challenge, Uchendu expressed her enthusiasm for joining FC Nantes and returning to France, a country she holds fond memories of.

 

“I am happy to join the FC Nantes club. I will discover this championship, which I know almost nothing about,” She said.

Reflecting on her previous experiences, she added,

“But this is not the first time I have come to France. I took part in the World Cup in 2019 (Nigeria was eliminated by Germany in the round of 16). I remember the crowd.”

Uchendu reminisced, “I had never played in front of so many people before. I had faced big names. I am super excited at the idea of meeting this crowd again, the fans, of creating new memories.”

During her time with SC Braga, Uchendu recorded an impressive thirteen-goal involvements in forty-three appearances across all competitions.