Christy Ucheibe confirms injury blows ahead of Champions League trip to Sweden

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria midfielder Christy Ucheibe has announced her injury as SL Benfica prepares to face Hammarby in the return leg of the 2024 UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) Qualifiers.

Ucheibe sustained the injury during the first leg, where Benfica secured an important away victory in Sweden.

In a message on her X handle, Ucheibe shared her thoughts: “As you all may have heard, I unfortunately got injured in the Champions League match against Hammarby.

“It is going to be a few hard and demanding months, but I have God who has never let me down; He will help me in my trying times.

“I am surrounded by wonderful people with good hearts, and my full focus is on getting better than ever before. See you all soon.”

This injury is a significant setback for Benfica as they aim to qualify for the UWCL group stage and pursue the league title this season.

Ucheibe had been performing well, having scored a goal in the Portuguese League after returning from the Paris 2024 Olympics. Her absence will be felt as the team looks to build on their success.