Ex-Brighton and Portsmouth Nigerian international striker joins Lewes

The 26-year-old joins the Rooks after leaving Swedish side Växjö DFF having joined them in July last year. The striker played 13 games for the side in the Damallsvenskan and scored twice.

Lewes FC manager Maggie Murphy said: "We're delighted to bring on board a player of Ini's calibre and experience, who understands the club's ambition and trajectory and wants to be part of our story.

"She's the first signing we've made on the back of the recent Lyle & Scott investment, and will really help take us to the next level."

Umotong’s professional career started at Portsmouth and in 2015 she helped the side win their seventh consecutive Hampshire County Cup, while also securing the league title. She finished as the top scorer for Pompey, finding the net 29 times in 25 appearances.

After leaving Portsmouth, the new Rooks striker joined Oxford United. In 2016 she was the top scorer in the formerly known FA Women’s Super League 2, scoring 13 goals in 19 games. Then in the 2017 WSL Spring Series, Umotong scored four times in seven games.

Before heading for Sweden, Umotong played for Brighton & Hove Albion. The striker joined the Seagulls in July 2017 and finished as their top scorer, netting 10 times in 19 games, as they finished second in the FA WSL 2. Umotong went on to make 25 appearances for Albion in the 2018/19 season across all competitions.

In the 2019/20 season, Umotong helped Brighton reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, scoring the third goal in a 3-0 win over rivals Crystal Palace.

On the international stage, Umotong scored her first goal for the Super Falcons in January 2019. This came against Romania in the Four Nations tournament third place play-off, with Nigeria coming out 4-1 winners.

The signing comes after Lewes FC announced their groundbreaking six-figure partnership with fashion brand Lyle & Scott in December.

Ben Gunn, brand director at Lyle & Scott agrees. "Lyle & Scott are so excited by the story of Lewes FC and hugely admire what they have achieved to date and their commitment to equality.

"We are delighted Ini will be joining the women's team and look forward to continuing to build a great partnership with the club".

- story by Marcus Lee for Lewes FC