Chinyere Kalu joins FC Badalona Women as former Nigeria U20 star eyes Liga F breakthrough

Former Nigeria U20 international Chinyere Kalu has joined Liga F club FC Badalona Women ahead of the 2026-27 season, with the midfielder hoping to take another step forward in her development in Spain.

FC Badalona Women confirmed the signing on their official website, handing the 20-year-old another opportunity to establish herself in Spain’s top flight after previous spells with Real Betis and Levante.

Kalu has already gained valuable Liga F experience, having made nine appearances for Real Betis during the 2024-25 campaign. Her move to Badalona therefore represents a continuation of a Spanish career that has exposed her to the demands of elite women’s football.

Kalu brings strength and defensive bite

The midfielder arrives with qualities that could provide greater balance to Marc Ballester’s squad. Kalu is known for her physical presence and ability to regain possession, attributes that could strengthen Badalona’s midfield and give the team additional solidity.

Her experience also extends to the international stage. Kalu was part of Nigeria’s Falconets squad at the 2022 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica, where she featured in Nigeria’s 3-1 group-stage victory over Canada.

That exposure at youth international level, combined with her experience in Liga F, gives Kalu a solid foundation as she begins a new chapter with Badalona.

‘Everything will be good’ – Kalu

Kalu said she is approaching the move with a positive mindset after setting herself clear objectives for the new season.

“I’ll start by saying all thanks to God because I wouldn’t have been here without Him. And before coming, I set a target for myself because I’ve played in Spain.

“It has been a bit difficult. I tried to set a target for myself this season to be a better player and work hard to achieve my goals.”

The Nigerian admitted she was excited when she learned that Badalona would be her next destination and is determined to make the opportunity count.

“When I got the information that I would be coming to Badalona, I was very excited. I just had this positive spirit in me, and I told myself I would go there and do well.

“I just have a positive mindset that everything will be good and that this season is going to be better.”

Badalona open campaign against Athletic Club

Kalu will now turn her attention to helping Badalona make a strong start to the new Liga F season.

FC Badalona Women will begin their 2026-27 campaign away from home against Athletic Club Femenino on August 30, giving Kalu an early opportunity to make her mark in her latest Spanish adventure.