OFFICIAL: Naija Ratels defender Paulina Ali joins Portuguese club FCF Famalicão

• Nigerian defender Paulina Ali joins Portuguese club FCF Famalicão Femenino from Naija Ratels.
• Ali's signing is expected to bolster FCF Famalicão's defense, which has conceded 49 goals in 15 league games.

Through official channels, Portuguese Campeonato Nacional Femenino club FCF Famalicão Femenino have completed the signing of Nigerian defender Paulina Ali.

The versatile defender joins the Liga BPI club from Nigerian Women's football league outfit Naija Ratels.

Ali's arrival is quite a significant transfer for the Portuguese outfit, which has struggled to find consistency in the league this season.

Currently sitting in 11th place, just above Vilaverdense at the bottom of the table, the club is desperate to turn its fortunes around and avoid relegation. 

With just two wins from 15 league games, the team has struggled defensively, while also conceding an alarming 49 goals.

The former Naija Ratels captain's impressive credentials were on full display during her temporary stint with Edo Queens in 2024.

She was an integral member of the squad that won the 2024 CAF Women's Champions League Zone B qualifying tournament, playing every game as the Benin Arsenal Ladies thumped Beninoise club Ainonvi FC 3-0 in the final.

Although Edo Queens ultimately bowed out in the semi-finals of the Tournament proper in August last year after a 3-1 loss to eventual champions TP Mazembe, Ali started and played every game for Edo Queens at the continental showpiece. She also notably bagged at the tournament.

Her side would also go on to lose the bronze medal match to FC Masar on penalties.