Washington Spirit sign Nigerian forward Francisca Ordega

Washington Spirit  |   March 24, 2015
Washington Spirit sign Nigerian forward Francisca Ordega Featured Image

BOYDS, MD. (Mar. 24, 2015) – The Washington Spirit announced today the club has signed forward Francisca Ordega, pending the receipt of her P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC). Ordega, who is a member of the Nigerian women’s national team, will take up one of the Spirit’s two available international roster spots.

Ordega will join the Spirit in early April following national team duty with Nigeria. She plans to participate in six games for the Spirit before heading to the World Cup with the national team. Ordega will rejoin the Spirit following the conclusion of Nigeria’s World Cup campaign.

“I am really happy to sign for the Spirit because it is a dream come true for me to play in the United States,” said Ordega. “I can’t wait to join the team and play in my first match.”

As a member of the Super Falcons, Ordega has earned caps with the senior national team at the 2011 Women’s World Cup as well as the African Women’s Championship. During the 2014 African Women’s Championship, Ordega scored one goal during group play in a 2-0 win over Namibia.

“Francisca is a very hard working forward that will bring plenty of pace and power to our team,” general manager and head coach Mark Parsons said. “She is an explosive player that has the ability to score and create goals and we are very excited to bring her to Washington D.C.”

The Nigerian striker began her career at the youth level for Bayelsa Queens, before being promoted to the professional side in 2008. Following the 2011 World Cup, Ordega transferred to the Rivers Angels, a top club in Nigeria. Just over a year later, she left her home country to play for WFC Rossiyanka in Russia. Since 2013, Ordega has been playing for Piteå IF in Sweden.

The Washington Spirit will begin its 2015 season on the road facing the Houston Dash at BBVA Compass Stadium on Friday, April 10. The Spirit will make its home debut against FC Kansas City at Maureen Hendricks Field the following weekend on Saturday, April 18 at 7 p.m.

Washington Spirit season tickets are available now (10 home matches), with packages starting as low as $170. Check out all of the phenomenal NWSL soccer at the Maryland SoccerPlex by calling 301-337-8579.

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