Uganda’s Shadia Nankya Joins Washington Spirit in Historic Transfer

Ugandan defender Shadia Nankya has signed a two-year contract with Washington Spirit, a top club in the U.S. National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The deal, which includes team options for 2027 and 2028, was sealed after Spirit paid a transfer fee to her former club, FC Masar in Egypt.

Nankya’s move marks a significant milestone for Ugandan women’s football, as she becomes one of the few players from the country to join an elite league in the United States.

“Shadia has demonstrated incredible potential throughout her young career,” said Mark Krikorian, Washington Spirit’s President of Soccer Operations and General Manager. “We believe she will play a key role in our squad and help strengthen our defense in the coming seasons.”

The 24-year-old defender had an impressive run at FC Masar, featuring in 27 matches, scoring three goals, and playing a crucial part in 19 clean sheets. Before her move to Egypt, she was a standout player for Uganda Christian University’s Lady Cardinals. Nankya also made her senior debut for the Uganda Crested Cranes in 2021 and will now occupy an international slot in the Washington Spirit squad.

Speaking about the move, Nankya expressed her excitement about playing in one of the world’s top women’s football leagues.

Nankya expressed her excitement about the move, describing it as a major step in her career. She highlighted the opportunity to develop her skills in a world-class environment and compete at the highest level. She also emphasized that her journey to the NWSL could serve as motivation for young girls in Uganda and across East Africa to pursue their football dreams with confidence.

Her new club, Washington Spirit, had a remarkable 2024 season, finishing second in the NWSL and setting new records, including 18 wins, 56 points, and 51 goals. With passionate fans filling Audi Field, the club is eager to build on its success in the upcoming 2025 season, now with Nankya as part of its defensive line.

This transfer is a massive step for Ugandan football, proving that local talent can make it to the biggest stages of the game.