National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) club San Diego Wave FC has announced the signing of promising Nigerian midfielder Favour Emmanuel.
The 22-year-old joins the club on a two-year deal, with an option for an additional year, pending the receipt of her International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P1 Visa.
Emmanuel arrives from Russian club ZHFK Lokomotiv Moskva, where she played a crucial role in the midfield, helping the team secure the Russian Women’s Cup in 2024.
During her tenure at Lokomotiv, Emmanuel made 20 appearances, including 18 starts, scoring one goal and earning Player of the Month honors twice.
San Diego Wave FC General Manager and Sporting Director Camille Ashton expressed excitement about Emmanuel’s arrival, highlighting her defensive capabilities and work ethic as key attributes that will benefit the team.
“We are thrilled to welcome Favour to our club and the city of San Diego. She’s a young, talented player with tremendous potential, and we believe she will strengthen our midfield with her defensive acumen and tactical awareness,” Ashton said.
“Her experience in European competition and on the international stage will bring valuable depth to our squad as we aim to compete at the highest level.”
Before moving to Russia, Emmanuel played for Bayelsa Queens in the Nigerian Women’s Football League (NWFL), where she was instrumental in the team’s domestic and continental success.
In 2022, she helped Bayelsa Queens win the NWFL Premiership title and the league championship playoffs. Her standout performances also contributed to the team’s third-place finish in the CAF Women’s Champions League.
Emmanuel has also represented Nigeria at the youth international level, featuring prominently for the Super Falcons U-20 team in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
The signing marks San Diego’s continued investment in young international talent, with Emmanuel being the second Nigerian to join the club in recent weeks following the arrival of forward Chiamaka Okwuchukwu.
