Ugandan defender Shadia Nankya has expressed her excitement and ambition after completing her historic transfer to Washington Spirit, where she will occupy an international slot on the club’s roster.
Nankya, the first Ugandan female footballer to join a top-tier club in the United States, emphasized the significance of the move, not only for her personal development but also for young aspiring footballers in Uganda and beyond.
“The Spirit has offered me an opportunity to grow and develop my football talent, and with this comes world-class training facilities and coaches supporting me,” Nankya said.
“Playing at the highest level in women’s football at the Spirit will also serve as an inspiration to thousands of girls in primary and secondary schools in Uganda, the wider East African region, and also locally in Washington, D.C,” she added.
Her arrival comes as Washington Spirit looks to build on an impressive 2024 season, where they finished second in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
The club set new records in wins (18), points (56), and goals (51), with star players and emerging talents leading the charge in front of record crowds at Audi Field.
Nankya joins a squad boasting top talents like Trinity Rodman and will work under the guidance of former Barcelona Women’s coach Jonatan Giráldez.
Her versatility and experience, having excelled in Uganda, Egypt, and now the U.S., are expected to add depth to the Spirit’s defense as they aim for another strong campaign in 2025.
Her journey from Uganda Martyrs Lubaga to Washington D.C. represents a landmark moment for Ugandan women’s football, highlighting the growing opportunities for East African players on the global stage.
