Maryann Ezenagu: Nigeria winger joins Zenit Saint Petersburg from Rivers Angels

By Saheed Afolabi

Russia women topflight side, Zenit Saint Petersburg have completed the signing of Nigeria tricky winger, Maryann Ezenagu on a permanent three-year deal.

The 22-year-old joins the Russian giants as one of their latest winter transfer signings, ending his three-year relationship with Nigeria Women’s Football League Premiership side Rivers.

On announcing her switch on Friday, the Russian club confirmed her acquisistion of a Nigerian striker.

“Zenit has reached an agreement on the transition to the women’s team of Maryann Ezenagu,” the club wrote on its website.

“Under the terms of the agreement, the midfielder moves into the winter transfer window, the contract is for three years. 22-year-old Nigerian football player Maryann Ezenagu will join the blue-white-blue women’s team this winter.”

Upon her acquisition, Zenit also reviews her career journey, recounting her expliots from her school days in Asaba to Nigeria Women Football League Premiership and continental strides with Rivers Angels and on international scene.

“Maryann’s football career started at the Asaba Girls’ High School, where she received her education. Having proved herself at a children’s level, the football player joined the local CI Angels team,” the club recounted.

“In 2014, Maryann Ezenagu signed her first professional contract, moving to the Delta Queens football club, where she spent six years. In 2020, the player signed an agreement with River Angels. Together with the team, she became the winner of the Nigerian Championship in 2021.

“Maryann Ezenagu has been named West African Football Union Player of the Year three times. The player of the Nigerian women’s national football team, along with the team, played at the 2016 U-17 Women’s World Cup.

“Zenit Football Club welcomes Mary Ann to the women’s team and wishes many victories along with blue-white-blue!.”

When she eventually lands in Russia, she becomes the third Nigerian set to feature in the Russian topflight in the coming season after Lokomotiv Mosow’s Chinonyerem and CSKA Moscow’s Fransica Ordega.