Christy Ucheibe completes Al Hilal move after Benfica success

Super Falcons midfielder Christy Ucheibe has completed her transfer to Saudi Women’s Premier League club Al Hilal, signing a two-year contract with the Riyadh-based side.

The 25-year-old becomes the latest high-profile addition to Al Hilal’s squad as the club continues its preparations for the new season. She will also be reunited with her Nigeria team-mate Asisat Oshoala, who is already part of the Blue Waves’ squad.

Ucheibe joins Al Hilal after six successful years with Portuguese club Benfica, where she developed into an important member of the team and helped the side collect several domestic honours.

Her departure from Benfica was confirmed by the Portuguese club in June, bringing to an end an impressive spell with the reigning Portuguese champions. During her time in Portugal, Ucheibe also secured a fourth consecutive league title, underlining her contribution to Benfica’s sustained domestic success.

The midfielder arrived at Benfica after previously playing for Nasarawa Amazons. Her versatility and consistency enabled her to establish herself as a key figure for the Portuguese side, before the move to Saudi Arabia opened a new stage in her career.

At international level, Ucheibe has become an important player for Nigeria’s Super Falcons. She was part of the squad that won the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, adding continental success to the honours she achieved with Benfica.

Her transfer to Al Hilal will give Ucheibe her first experience of Saudi Arabian football. The move also strengthens the club’s Nigerian contingent, with her arrival placing her alongside Oshoala as Al Hilal continue to build their team ahead of the forthcoming campaign.

For Ucheibe, the switch represents a change after six seasons in Portugal, where she established herself at one of the country’s leading clubs. For Al Hilal, her arrival adds experience from both domestic and international football as they seek to improve their squad in the Saudi Women’s Premier League.

The transfer completes a significant move for a player who has combined club success with an increasingly prominent role for Nigeria. Ucheibe will now begin the next chapter of her career in Riyadh.

By Adeboye Amosu

Adeboye Amosu is a senior content writer and an NPFL expert who covers the Super Eagles and Chelsea.