Utah Royals FC today have announced the acquisition of Super Eagles forward and NWSL medalist Ifeoma Onumonu from Gotham FC in exchange for $40,000 in allocation money as agreed by both parties, Nigeriasoccernet.com can confirm.
Following the official announcement, Onumonu who has signed through the 2024/25 NWSL seasons becomes the 15th player on the 2024 expansion Utah side’s roster, with the upcoming NWSL occurring on Jan. 12 and players reporting to preseason between Jan. 22-29.
“This is an amazing opportunity to be coached by one of the best who ever did it, tapping into Amy Rodriguez’ history with the NWSL and her being a former No. 9,” said Onumonu, also noting that she will reunite with three former teammates in Utah (Imani Dorsey, Mandy Haught, Paige Monaghan)”.
“Having the conversation with Amy and (Sporting Director Kelly Cousins) was incredibly important to me, hearing their vision and understanding the commitment to and investment in providing the best for the athletes is what persuaded me to play for the Royals”.
“I’m quite excited for our style of play,” continued Onumonu. “Amy mentioned that we will look to mix some of what Man City and Bayern Munich try to do – keep the ball, if you lose it, get it back as quickly as possible. This is what interests me – at this point in my career, I want to play with the ball and not run around mindlessly or get caught in kick-and-run”.
“This whole project intrigues me, as I’m always looking to learn more – what better way to learn than to try to emulate a style of play and model ourselves after the best in the world”.
Prior to joining Gotham FC, Onumonu also played for the OL Reign (2019-20) and Portland Thorns (2018), after being drafted as the eighth overall pick by the Boston Breakers in the 2017 NWSL Draft.
By Olaleye Oluwadamilola
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