Done Deal: Nigerian star Onyenezide leaves Spain’s Madrid for Israel’s Hapoel Jerusalem

Nigerian midfielder Esther Onyenezide has made a significant career move by joining Israeli women’s club Hapoel Katamon Jerusalem from Madrid CFF, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 21-year-old’s transfer comes just six months after she arrived in Spain from Nigeria’s Robo Queens.

Onyenezide burst to prominence at the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica, where she was named Player of the Match in Nigeria’s 3-1 victory over Canada.

The young attacker announced her departure from Madrid CFF with gratitude. “It can only be God, forever grateful,” she expressed on social media.

Madrid CFF also confirmed the transfer, stating, “Esther Onyenezide Chinemerem is on her way to Hapoel.”

Onyenezide’s time at Madrid CFF was brief but impactful. She joined the Spanish club earlier this year along with her Falconets teammate Opeyemi Ajakaye, both making the move from Robo Queens.

Hapoel Katamon Jerusalem, the senior women’s team of the fan-owned Hapoel Jerusalem club, is quickly establishing itself as a force in Israeli women’s football.

Founded only in the 2020-21 season, the team has already climbed from the third league to competing at the highest level, finishing as runners-up last season and securing their first-ever title, the Athena Cup.

With Onyenezide’s addition, they are now eyeing the national championship and making strides in the State Cup.