Christy Ucheibe Joins Al Hilal in Saudi Women’s Premier League

Nigeria international Christy Ucheibe has completed her move from Portuguese champions Benfica to Al Hilal Women in the Saudi Women’s Premier League. The 25-year-old midfielder has signed a two-year contract with the Riyadh-based club, ending a six-year spell in Portugal and beginning her first chapter in Saudi Arabian football.

Ucheibe arrives at Al Hilal as a versatile player who can operate in midfield or defence. That range was a defining part of her development at Benfica, where she became an important member of a side that collected several domestic honours. Her departure from the Portuguese club was confirmed in June after a successful period with the reigning champions.

The Nigerian’s Benfica spell included four consecutive league titles, adding to the domestic silverware she won during six seasons at the club. She joined Benfica after starting her career with Nasarawa Amazons, and established herself in one of Europe’s leading women’s football environments. Her time in Portugal also strengthened her position in the Super Falcons setup.

Ucheibe was part of Nigeria’s squad that won the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Her international experience now follows her to Al Hilal, where she will reunite with fellow Super Falcons player Asisat Oshoala. Oshoala was already at the Riyadh club, giving Al Hilal two established Nigerian internationals in its squad.

The reunion adds a direct Nigerian connection to a team continuing to build its profile in the Saudi Women’s Premier League. Ucheibe’s ability to cover more than one position gives Al Hilal another option when shaping its midfield and defensive structure. Her two-year agreement also places her at the club beyond the immediate start of the new season.

Al Hilal’s recent results show a team with three wins and two defeats in its last five recorded matches. The sequence began with a 3-1 away win at Al Suqoor SC and a 2-1 home victory against Al Ta’awon. Al Hilal then lost 2-0 away to Horoya, beat Horoya 1-0 at home and fell 2-0 against Al Ahli Tripoli.

Across those five matches, Al Hilal scored six goals and conceded six. The results include victories in both of the club’s meetings with Horoya, alongside defeats against Horoya away and Al Ahli Tripoli at home. Ucheibe therefore joins a squad whose recent record contains both positive stretches and setbacks as it prepares for the next phase of its campaign.

For Ucheibe, the transfer changes both her footballing setting and the rhythm of her club career. She leaves a Benfica side where she had spent six seasons competing for domestic trophies and moves to a Riyadh team strengthening its squad with experienced international players. The switch also gives her the opportunity to apply her European and Super Falcons experience in a new league.

Her arrival continues the movement of Nigerian women’s football talent beyond Europe. Alongside Oshoala, Ucheibe will give Al Hilal two players with significant experience at international level and in major club competitions. The next stage of her career will begin with Al Hilal’s Saudi Women’s Premier League campaign, while the club looks to make use of her midfield and defensive versatility.