Uganda Crested Cranes defender Shadia Nankya has taken a major step in her career, joining French top flight side Le Havre AC on a contract running until June 30, 2027.
The 24 year old center-back completed the move in March 2026, after mutually ending her contract with Washington Spirit earlier this year.
Nankya, set to wear the number 5 jersey, adds experience and versatility to Le Havre’s defense.
The “Ciel & Marine” currently sit eighth in the Première Ligue Féminine with 16 points from 15 matches, and the club hopes Nankya can strengthen the backline alongside winter recruit Ema Paljevic, under sporting director Laure Lepailleur.
Her journey to France has been remarkable. Nankya rose to prominence in Uganda with Uganda Martyrs Lubaga and UCU Lady Cardinals, winning the 2019 FUFA Women’s Cup top scorer award despite playing in defense.
She then excelled in Africa with FC Masar in Egypt, earning a spot in the CAF Women’s Champions League Best XI in 2024 and helping the club win bronze in 2025.
In February 2025, Nankya became the first Ugandan woman to play in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) with Washington Spirit, later going on loan to Dallas Trinity FC for more top level experience.
With this transfer, Nankya makes history as the first Ugandan to play in the French Première Ligue Féminine, setting a new benchmark for Ugandan women’s football.
