English club Manchester United have made the dream of a Nigerian fan come true after she penned a contract with the club.
Manchester United has made the dream of a Nigerian-Canadian fan come true by signing her to their Women's team.
Simi Awujo, a 20-year-old midfielder, has joined the Red Devils ahead of the new season, fulfilling a lifelong ambition.
17:46 - 12.09.2024
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Awujo, who has Nigerian heritage, comes to United from the United States collegiate system, where she represented the University of Southern California's USC Trojans.
Despite her Nigerian background, Awujo is not eligible for the Super Falcons, having already made her senior international debut for Canada at the age of 18.
She currently boasts 19 caps for Canada and recently competed in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, reaching the quarter-finals.
In her first interview with Manchester United, Awujo expressed her excitement about joining the club she's supported since childhood.
"It's kind of surreal," she told the club website. "I've been a Man United fan since I was a little kid, came here for a little camp and now I'm on the women's team, which is kind of crazy."
The young midfielder cited the club's rich history and her family connections to England as significant factors in her decision to join.
"It's one of the most historical clubs in the world. Growing up, watching the Premier League and football and coming to England to see family, those played a big part in my decision," Awujo explained.
As Manchester United's Women's Super League season approaches, Awujo and her new teammates are preparing for their opening match against West Ham at Old Trafford on Saturday, September 21.
For Awujo, the prospect of making her debut at the iconic stadium holds special significance.
"That's really, really exciting," she said. "Obviously, there's so much history around that stadium, there's so much history around this club and for us to be able to play our first match of the season in the stadium is surreal. I've been to Old Trafford as a kid, and I never thought I would be able to be on the pitch with my team at Old Trafford."
This signing not only strengthens Manchester United's squad but also highlights the global appeal of the club, bringing in talented players who have long dreamed of wearing the famous red shirt.