Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene: Nigeria star joins Rita Chikwelu at Levante Las Planas

By Monsurat Olatunji

Spanish Liga F club Levante Las Palnas have completed the signing of Nigeria midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene for the rest of the season after leaving Swedish outfit Eskilstuna United.

During her five-year spell at Eskilstuna, Okobi-Okeoghene featured 107 times since joining from Vittsjo, scoring 11 goals during a seven-year long campaign in the Swedish topflight. In her last campaign, the Super Falcons star registered five goals and two assists in 25 Damallsvenskan league matches last year for Eskilstuna United.

On Tuesday, the Nigerian arrives in the Catalan team to help achieve a relegation escape as the 29 years old is shaping up to be an important reinforcement for the team coached by Ferran Cabello.

Okobi is the latest signing for manager Cabello who looks to bolster his squad for the remainder of the season,as the team from Sant Joan Despí is in 13th position with 15 points, three from the relegation zone.

Reacting to her move, the four-time Africa Cup of Nations winners, said: “I’m a midfielder, but I’m an offensive player. I score goals, I give assists. I think I’ll be able to contribute my skills, especially as an assistant, maybe more than as a goalscorer. I think it’s the differentiating fact that I can bring the most to Levante Las Planas”.

Following her addition, she becomes the second Nigerian at the club, teaming up with compatriot Rita Chikwelu following the departure of Super Falcons captain Onome Ebi last December.

She is now the eighth Nigeria international in the Spanish topflight, joining new teammate Chikwelu, Charity Adule of Alhama, Asisat Oshoala of Barcelona, Gift Monday of Tenerife, Osinachi Ohale of Deportivo Alavas as well Toni Payne of Sevilla and Rashedat Ajibade of Atletico Madrid.

The team from Murcia will face up with Charity Adule’s Alhama on Saturday, at 12 o’clock, in Murcia and the encounter could offer Okobi-Okeoghene her maiden debut.