Christy Ucheibe leaves Benfica: Why Super Falcons star rejected new contract

Christy Ucheibe’s successful six-year spell with Portuguese giants Benfica is coming to an emotional end after the Nigerian midfielder decided not to renew her contract with the club, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 25-year-old Super Falcons star, a key member of Nigeria’s title-winning squad to last year’s WAFCON, will officially leave Benfica on June 30 when her current deal expires. Although the Portuguese champions offered her a new contract and were keen to keep her in Lisbon, Ucheibe chose to move on and begin a new chapter in her career.

Benfica confirmed her departure with warm tributes, while Ucheibe described the club as her “family” and admitted that leaving was one of the hardest decisions of her career. Reports from the women’s football transfer market suggest that Saudi Arabia is the most likely destination for the Nigerian international.

Why Christy Ucheibe is leaving Benfica despite a new contract offer

While the official statements focused on gratitude and mutual respect, several factors influenced Ucheibe’s decision to reject Benfica’s renewal proposal.

The biggest reason appears to be the growing financial power of the Saudi Women’s Premier League. Clubs in Saudi Arabia have been investing heavily in women’s football and are offering salaries that many European clubs cannot match. Despite Benfica’s efforts to retain her, the Portuguese side reportedly could not compete with the financial package available in the Middle East.

Another major factor is the desire for a fresh challenge. Ucheibe arrived in Portugal in February 2020 as a teenager and has since won almost every domestic trophy available. After helping Benfica dominate Portuguese women’s football for six consecutive seasons, she feels the time is right to test herself in a different environment.

Her contract situation also played an important role. Because she is leaving as a free agent, Ucheibe has full control over her next move. Without a transfer fee involved, she can negotiate stronger personal terms, including a larger signing bonus and improved salary package with her new club.

The timing is also significant. Over the last two seasons, Ucheibe battled back from a serious knee injury suffered during a UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign. After returning to top form and re-establishing herself as one of Africa’s leading midfielders, this summer represents one of the strongest opportunities of her career to secure a major move.

Christy Ucheibe’s legacy in Portugal

Ucheibe leaves Benfica as the most successful Nigerian footballer in Portugal’s history and one of the finest foreign players in the country’s women football.

During her six years in Lisbon, she played 179 matches for the club, scoring 11 goals and providing 11 assists. More importantly, she became one of the foundations of Benfica’s dominance in Portugal.

The Nigerian was part of every Benfica squad that won the club’s historic six consecutive Liga BPI titles between the 2020/21 and 2025/26 seasons. Her trophy collection also includes two Portuguese Cups, five League Cups and two Portuguese Super Cups.

What made Ucheibe especially valuable was her versatility. Although naturally a defensive midfielder, she regularly stepped into central defence whenever injuries or tactical demands required it. Her tackling, positioning, leadership and physical presence made her a trusted member of the squad.

She also helped Benfica grow into a respected force in European football. Her performances in the UEFA Women’s Champions League contributed to the club competing strongly against some of the continent’s biggest teams and raising the profile of Portuguese women’s football.

Off the pitch, Ucheibe became a fan favourite because of her humility, professionalism and team-first attitude. As she prepares for a likely move to Saudi Arabia, she leaves Benfica not just as a champion, but as a defining figure of the club’s most successful era.