Nigerian football star dumps portuguese giant for Al Hilal

Christy Ucheibe and Esther Okoronkwo of Nigeria Super Falcons. Photo by: ImagoxJustina Aniefiok

Nigerian football star Christy Ucheibe has left reigning Portuguese champions Benfica for Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, Soccernet.ng reports.

Ucheibe has spent the last six years at Benfica, winning nine titles, including five consecutive league titles. During her time at the club, she made over 90 appearances across all competitions.

During her time at the club, Benfica Women have been able to stamp their dominance in Portugal and maintain a consistent presence in the Champions League.

She also played a key role in helping the club signing fellow Super Falcons star Tosin Demehin.

However, the 25-year-old midfielder has decided to call time on her successful six-year stay in Lisbon. This comes as Saudi giants Al Hilal have confirmed that she has officially put pen to paper to join them in a permanent transfer.

Soccer Details of Christy Ucheibe’s Transfer to Al Hilal

Christy Ucheibe’s contract was naturally due to expire at the end of last season, as she did not sign an extension.

🚨Done deal: @NGSuper_Falcons defender 🇳🇬Christy Ucheibe has joined Saudi Arabian side 🇸🇦Al Hilal after leaving 🇵🇹Benfica#disfootballsef pic.twitter.com/xPmIA30fEM

— Andrew Randa (@RandaAndrew) August 27, 2026

So she joins Al Hilal in a free transfer, penning a two-year deal that will keep her in Saudi Arabia until the summer of 2028. Ucheibe will link up with national teammate and former African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala.

Ucheibe is known for her energy in the middle of the park, intensity, physical strength, and versatility. Asides from her midfield role, she can also put in a solid shift at center-back.

Her addition to the Al Hilal will definitely give them a boost as they look to thwart Al Nassr’s dominance of women football in Saudi Arabia.

Soccer What Does The Switch Mean For Ucheibe’s Nigeria Future?

Usually, when footballers move to Saudi Arabia, their international career takes a hit. But it is unlikely that Ucheibe will experience that.

She remains one of the most reliable Super Falcons players presently, and she is also still young. So she has many years ahead of her.

Moreover, teammate Oshoala currently plies her trade in Saudi Arabia, and she has been a consistent fixture in the Super Falcons squad.

Ucheibe will looking to hit the ground running with solid performances and help her side win titles.

Kelvin Omachonu

Kelvin Omachonu is a professional football columnist and sports writer with over half a decade of experience covering major events and delivering captivating, analytically-driven stories.
A graduate of the University of Ibadan, he is fueled by a profound dedication to sports journalism and the beautiful game. His insights have previously been featured in respected outlets, including IndyPress UI, UCJ UI Newshive NG, Sportpremi, and a few others.
Away from work, Kelvin is an avid fan of basketball, enjoys a great movie, and is always discovering new music.