Nigeria Players Abroad
Favour Emmanuel joins Chiamaka Okwuchukwu at San Diego Wave
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side, San Diego Wave FC announced that the Club has signed midfielder Favour Emmanuel to a two-year deal through the 2026 season with a mutual option for 2027.
Emmanuel will be added to the Wave’s 2025 roster pending a medical and receipt of her International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P1 Visa.
The 22-year-old joins the Wave from ZHFK Lokomotiv Moskva in the Russian Women’s Football Championship, the top division of women’s soccer in Russia.
During her tenure with Loko Women, she made 20 appearances (18 starts), scored one goal, and played a pivotal role in helping the club secure the Russian Women’s Cup title.
Emmanuel was named Player of the Month in April and June 2024.
Before her time in Russia, Emmanuel spent two seasons with Bayelsa Queens in the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership.
The club claimed the Nigeria Women’s Football League Premiership title in 2022.
She also helped Bayelsa Queens secure a third-place finish in the CAF Women’s Champions League
Emmanuel will occupy an international slot on San Diego’s 2025 roster.
Favour joined a long list of Nigerian players in the NWSL and will be a teammate of compatriot Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, who joined earlier this year from Rivers Angels.
Other Nigerian players in the NWSL are Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC), Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash), Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville), and Deborah Abiodun (Washington Spirit).
