Nigeria Players Abroad
Super Falcons’ Star Earns Saudi Top-flight Monthly Award
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Nigerian winger Francisca Ordega of Al Ittihad marked her Saudi Women’s Premier League Monthly Award with a full ninety-minute performance against Al Shabab.
In the goalless match held at the Prince Faisal bin Fahad Stadium in Jeddah, Ordega was unable to increase her goal tally, which stands at four.
The draw leaves the Ittihad team, captained by Ashleigh Plumptre, in seventh place in the league standings, accumulating 22 points from 17 matches.
Ordega entered the match against Al Shabab with high expectations after being named Player of the Month for March just two days prior.
She secured the individual honor by surpassing her club and national teammate Ashleigh Plumptre, as well as Congo International Naomie Kabakaba.
The 31-year-old, who is a Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) champion, received 62% of the fan votes, while Plumptre and Kabakaba each garnered 16%.
During her first month in the league, Ordega scored four goals and provided three assists in three appearances for Al-Ittihad Ladies.
In that same timeframe, Al-Ittihad achieved two victories and suffered one defeat across three matches.
The talented winger Ordega joined Al-Ittihad on a free transfer at the beginning of the current season.
She previously played for Russian women’s top flight side, CSKA Moscow.
