Category: Soccer

Nigerian international Chiamaka Nnadozie etched her name into Paris FC’s history books on Saturday night with a match-winning performance that clinched the club’s first major trophy in nearly two decades, as they edged city rivals Paris Saint-Germain 5–4 on penalties to lift the 2025 Coupe de France Féminine. Held at the Stade de l’Épopée in Calais, the tightly contested final ended goalless after 90 minutes of high-intensity action. But it was the 24-year-old goalkeeper’s heroics in the shootout—including two stunning saves—that sealed a historic night for Paris FC. Nnadozie denied Korbin Albert and Jade Le Guilly from the spot, delivering the decisive blow in sudden death and sparking wild celebrations among her teammates and the travelling fans. It marked Nnadozie’s first club silverware in Europe since her move from Nigeria’s Rivers Angels five years ago, where she had already won multiple domestic titles and shone for the Super Falcons on the continental stage. Tactical Battle Ends in Stalemate The final showcased top-quality football, with both sides creating chances. Paris FC nearly struck early, with Gaëtane Thiney narrowly missing the target in the fifth minute, followed by an incisive cross from Elisa de Almeida that just evaded Romée Leuchter. PSG responded with pressure of their own, led by Grace Geyoro and Marie-Antoinette Katoto, but Paris FC’s defensive line, marshaled by Griedge Mbock, held firm. Thiney had a goal ruled out for offside in the 27th minute as the intensity of the derby grew. Both goalkeepers were called into action throughout the match. Nnadozie made a crucial stop in stoppage time, acrobatically tipping Melween’s curling strike over the bar, reaffirming her status as the standout performer on the night. Nnadozie the Shootout Star The shootout began with Théa Gréboval converting for Paris FC. After early exchanges, PSG gained the upper hand when Clara Mateo struck the post. But Nnadozie turned the tide with a full-stretch save to deny Albert, and later stopped Le Guilly in sudden death to seal the 5–4 win. The result ended a 19-year trophy drought for Paris FC, whose last Coupe de France title came in 2005. It was a particularly emotional farewell for Gaëtane Thiney, playing her final cup match, and a crowning achievement for head coach Sandrine Soubeyrand, who steered the team through a formidable cup run. A Rising Legacy Nnadozie’s performance adds to an already glowing résumé. In the 2023–24 UEFA Women’s Champions League, she saved five penalties in eight matches, including key stops against Arsenal, Wolfsburg, and World Cup winner Olga Carmona of Real Madrid. Her international form has been just as commanding. She famously denied Christine Sinclair at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup to help Nigeria earn a crucial draw, and has produced match-saving penalty stops in the Africa Women Cup of Nations qualifiers and 2019 World Cup. With her latest heroics, Chiamaka Nnadozie has not only delivered a long-awaited trophy to Paris FC but also cemented her reputation as one of the world’s top goalkeepers, continuing to elevate African excellence on the global stage.

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen etched his name into Galatasaray history on Saturday, scoring twice in their emphatic 4–1 win over Sivasspor in the Turkish Süper Lig. The brace not only powered the league leaders to another commanding victory, but also marked a career milestone for the 26-year-old forward. Osimhen’s goals in the 15th and 31st minutes lifted his season total to 33 goals across all competitions, surpassing his previous best of 31 set during his breakout 2022/23 campaign with Napoli. His relentless form has been key in Galatasaray’s pursuit of a third consecutive league title, with 24 of those goals coming in the league alone. Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk lauded Osimhen’s all-round contribution, calling him “a rare talent” and praising his work ethic and leadership. “We are fortunate to have him,” he said, underlining the Nigerian’s impact since arriving on loan from Napoli. After the match, Osimhen emphasized team success over individual glory. “Breaking my own record is special, but I’m more focused on helping the team win trophies,” he told NTV Spor. His performance, combined with goals from Lucas Torreira and B.A Yilmaz, saw Galatasaray stay eight points clear of rivals Fenerbahce, coached by Jose Mourinho, with a game in hand. The Nigerian Football Federation also celebrated his achievement on X, adding to the accolades for the former CAF African Footballer of the Year, who now stands as one of Europe’s most feared finishers.