Shadia Nankya Makes History as First Ugandan Woman in NWSL with Washington Spirit Move

Ugandan international Shadia Nankya has made history by becoming the first Ugandan female footballer to play in the top tier of women’s football in the United States. The Crested Cranes defender has signed a two-year contract with the Washington Spirit, with team options for 2027 and 2028, in a transfer from Egypt’s FC Masar. The move included a transfer fee paid by the Spirit, underlining the club’s belief in her talent and potential.

“Shadia has shown great potential throughout her young professional career in Egypt,” said Mark Krikorian, President of Soccer Operations and General Manager at Washington Spirit. “We expect her to be an important contributor to the Spirit throughout her tenure at the club.”

Rising Star in African Women’s Football

Nankya joins the NWSL side after a successful stint at FC Masar, where she played a key role in the team’s third-place finish at the CAF Women’s Champions League. Her standout performances in the tournament earned her a place in the Best XI, further establishing her reputation as one of the top defenders on the continent. In 2024, she also helped Masar FC lift their second Egyptian Women’s Cup title.

“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,” said Nankya. “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.”

Nankya’s journey to the NWSL began in Uganda, where she captained Uganda Martyrs Lubaga and UCU Lady Cardinals. In 2018, she made headlines by winning the FUFA Women’s Cup top scorer award with nine goals, an impressive feat for a defender. That same year, she made her debut for the Crested Cranes, helping Uganda secure bronze at both the CECAFA and COSAFA Championships.

Despite missing the 2022 CECAFA Women’s Championship and WAFCON due to injury, Nankya bounced back stronger, securing a move to Egypt before earning her historic transfer to the United States.

At Washington Spirit, she will play under former Barcelona Women’s coach Jonatan Giráldez, alongside USWNT star Trinity Rodman and a squad that finished second in the NWSL last season. In 2024, the Spirit set new club records with 18 wins, 56 points, and 51 goals, all in front of record attendances at Audi Field.

With her defensive prowess, leadership, and hunger for success, Nankya’s move to Washington Spirit not only elevates her career but also opens doors for future generations of Ugandan and East African female footballers to dream big and compete at the highest level.