AFCON 2025
Christy Ucheibe will leave Portuguese champions Benfica at the end of the month after deciding against renewing her contract, bringing an end to a highly successful six-year spell with the club.
The 25-year-old Super Falcons midfielder will officially become a free agent on June 30 when her current deal expires. Benfica had offered Ucheibe a new contract and were eager to keep her in Lisbon, but she opted to pursue a new challenge elsewhere.
The Portuguese club paid tribute to Ucheibe following the announcement of her departure, while the Nigerian international described Benfica as her “family” and admitted that leaving was one of the toughest decisions of her career.
Reports suggest Saudi Arabia is the most likely destination for the midfielder, with clubs in the Saudi Women’s Premier League reportedly prepared to offer significantly improved financial terms.
Ucheibe’s decision comes after an illustrious period in Portugal, where she established herself as one of the club’s most influential players. Since arriving in February 2020, she won six consecutive Liga BPI titles, two Portuguese Cups, five League Cups and two Portuguese Super Cups.
The Super Falcons star made 179 appearances for Benfica, scoring 11 goals and providing 11 assists. Although primarily a defensive midfielder, she also excelled in central defence whenever called upon, earning a reputation for her versatility, leadership and consistency.
Her performances also helped Benfica become a regular competitor in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, while she remained a key figure for Nigeria, playing an important role in the Super Falcons’ successful Women’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph.
Leaving as a free agent gives Ucheibe the opportunity to negotiate her next move without a transfer fee. Reports indicate that the financial strength of Saudi clubs, coupled with her desire for a fresh challenge after recovering from a serious knee injury, influenced her decision.
Ucheibe departs Benfica as one of the most decorated Nigerian footballers to have played in Portugal, ending a chapter that saw her become a central figure in the club’s most successful era.
