Chaimaka Nnadozie Saves Two Penalties As Paris FC Beat Arsenal In UEFA Women’s Champions League Qualifier
By Amaechi Agbo
Super Falcons goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie put up an excellent performance on Saturday as her club Pars FC defeated Arsenal Women 4-2 on penalties in the UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifier.
The Gunners, who reached the semi-finals of the competition last season, came from 2-0 and 3-2 behind to force a shootout after extra time.
However, Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie saved from Arsenal’s England striker Alessia Russo and Frida Maanum as the underdogs won 4-2 on spot-kicks.
Paris FC led 2-0 in the game courtesy of Mathilde Bourdieu quick two goals in 56 and 57th minutes. But the Arsenal ladies responded when Alessia Russo scored in the 80th minute before Jen Beattie levelled up in added time.
In the extra time, Paris FC took the lead with Julie Soyer scoring on the 106th minute but the Arsenal ladies again restored parity through Russo on the 116th minute.
However, Nnadozie was Paris’ heroine as they progressed on penalties.
The French side progress to the final qualifying stage of the competition where Manchester United are among the opponents who could lie in wait.
It is a massive boost for the 24-year-old whose profile since World Cup in August has continued to soar.