Nigerian international and Super Falcons winger Francisca Ordega has joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad Ladies FC on a free transfer.
The 31-year-old signed a two-year deal with the club, marking a new chapter in her football career after leaving Russian side CSKA Moscow.
Ordega’s move reunites her with fellow Nigerian international Ashleigh Plumptre, who is also part of the Al-Ittihad squad.
The transfer was confirmed by the club’s CEO, Domingos Oliveira, who described Ordega’s signing as part of their strategy to strengthen the women’s team with top talent. He expressed confidence in her ability to make a significant impact in the team’s upcoming competitions.
During her time at CSKA Moscow, Ordega delivered an impressive performance, scoring 29 goals and providing 20 assists in 84 appearances.
She also won the Russian Cup and Super Cup during her stint with the club. Her career has seen her play for clubs such as Levante, Atletico Madrid, Washington Spirit, and Shanghai Shengli.
Ordega’s signing is seen as a boost to Al-Ittihad Ladies, who currently sit seventh in the Saudi Women’s League table. Her arrival adds to the growing trend of Nigerian footballers making their mark in Middle Eastern leagues, joining the likes of William Troost-Ekong, Odion Ighalo, and Henry Onyekuru.
Expressing her excitement during her unveiling ceremony, Ordega shared her enthusiasm for the journey ahead. “I am happy to join this team,” she said in a video shared by the club. “The team is full of dreams, and I am excited to be here.”
