Portuguese champions Benfica have strengthened their women’s squad with the arrival of Nigerian forward Flourish Sabastine, who joins the club as a free agent.
The talented attacker makes the switch after spending last season with Turkish side Fenerbahce, where she played a key role in their Women’s Super League title-winning campaign. She scored 12 goals in 25 appearances in all competitions before her contract expired at the end of the season.
Benfica have handed the Nigerian star a three-year deal, keeping her at the club until 2029.
Her arrival also increases the Nigerian presence at Benfica, where she will link up with Super Falcons midfielder Christy Ucheibe and fellow Nigerian Janet Akekoromowei, who also joined the Portuguese club during the current transfer window.
Sabastine previously represented Nigeria at the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica. Leading the attack for the Falconets, she helped the team reach the quarter-finals before they were knocked out by the Netherlands.
Several members of that squad have since progressed to the senior national team or established professional careers, including Tosin Demehin, Esther Onyenezide, Deborah Abiodun, Rofiat Imuran and Chioma Olise.
Speaking after completing the move, Sabastine shared her excitement about beginning a new chapter with Benfica and promised to give everything for the supporters.
“I can’t wait to meet the Benfica fans on the pitch. I’m here to give my all, help the team succeed, and make our supporters proud while playing exciting football,” she said.
