Flourish Sabastine Joins Benfica from Fenerbahce

Portuguese club Benfica has announced the signing of Nigerian forward Flourish Sabastine on a free transfer.

Flourish, who previously played for the Falconets, joined Fenerbahce last year. She helped the team win the Turkish Women’s Super League last season, scoring 12 goals in 25 matches across all competitions.

Her contract with Fenerbahce ended after the season, allowing her to join Benfica, the current champions of Portugal.

Sabastine has signed a three-year deal that will keep her at Benfica until 2029.

With this move, she becomes the third Nigerian player at Benfica. She joins Super Falcons midfielder Christy Ucheibe and Janet Akekoromowei, who also signed with the club this summer.

Sabastine was the main striker for Nigeria’s U-20 women’s team at the 2022 FIFA Women’s U-20 World Cup in Costa Rica. The Falconets made it to the quarter-finals but lost to the Netherlands.

Some of her teammates from that tournament include current Super Falcons defender Tosin Demehin, Esther Onyenezide, Deborah Abiodun, Rofiat Imuran, and Chioma Olise, who now plays in Turkey.

After moving to Benfica, the Super Falcons star shared her excitement about making her mark at the club.

“To the Benfica fans, I can’t wait to see you guys soon on the pitch. I’m here to give you guys the best, and make you guys enjoy football,” Sabastine said.