Napoli have officially confirmed the signing of promising Nigerian forward Olamide Adugbe from NWFL Premiership side Rivers Angels. Adugbe, who had been on loan at Rivers Angels from her parent club Naija Ratels, is joining the Italian Serie A Femminile side for a one-year deal, with options to extend for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 seasons.
Rivers Angels had announced her departure a week earlier, and Adugbe has now completed her move just in time for Napoli’s key upcoming fixture against defending champions Roma. The 21 year old will wear the number 17 jersey at her new club and expressed her excitement, noting that she is committed to improving and achieving great success with Napoli.
Napoli are currently sixth in the league after three games, having lost to Fiorentina and Inter Milan, but secured a win in their last outing against Sassuolo. Adugbe’s arrival is expected to strengthen their squad as they aim for more victories this season.
Editorial
Olamide Adugbe’s transfer to Napoli signifies an important moment not just for her career but also for Nigerian women’s football. As one of the country’s promising talents, Adugbe’s move to a top European club highlights the growing recognition of Nigerian players on the international stage. For us, this transfer marks a new chapter in Adugbe’s career, but it also emphasizes the continued growth and impact of Nigerian football talent across global leagues.
Adugbe’s move to Napoli comes at a crucial time for the club. After a mixed start to the season, Napoli will be looking to turn things around, and Adugbe’s ability to strengthen their attack will be key. Her ambition to make a mark in Italian football reflects the hunger and determination she has shown in Nigeria’s NWFL Premiership.
From our perspective, this transfer also demonstrates the importance of the Nigerian women’s football league as a breeding ground for top talent. Clubs like Rivers Angels and Naija Ratels have continuously produced players capable of competing on the international level, and Adugbe’s journey from NWFL to Serie A is a testament to that.
Her arrival at Napoli will undoubtedly bring fresh energy and optimism to the squad, and we believe Adugbe’s success in Italy could inspire other young Nigerian footballers to pursue similar opportunities in Europe. As Adugbe sets her sights on making an impact in Italy, we are confident that she will carry the pride of Nigerian football with her and continue to elevate the reputation of Nigerian female athletes on the global stage.
Did You Know?
- Olamide Adugbe started her football journey at Naija Ratels before being loaned to Rivers Angels, one of Nigeria’s most successful women’s football clubs.
- Rivers Angels have won the NWFL Premiership a record seven times, making them the most decorated women’s football team in Nigeria.
- The Italian Serie A Femminile is one of the top women’s football leagues in Europe, with notable clubs such as Juventus, AC Milan, and AS Roma competing in it.
- Nigerian players have a growing presence in European women’s football, with notable names like Asisat Oshoala making waves in Spain’s La Liga.
- Napoli Femminile was promoted to Italy’s top division in 2020 and has since aimed to establish itself as a strong contender in Serie A.
