Uchenna Kanu hits hat trick, Osinachi Ohale delivers late winner as Nigerian players shine across Europe and beyond
Nigerian stars lit up pitches across the globe over the weekend, delivering decisive performances marked by goals, grit, and moments of brilliance.
At the Estadio Nemesio Díez, Uchenna Kanu stole the spotlight with a clinical hat-trick in Cruz Azul’s commanding 4–0 victory over Toluca in the Liga MX Femenil Round of 16. The forward struck twice before the break, setting the tone for a dominant outing, and returned late on to complete her treble her second of the season. The performance not only earned her Player of the Match honours but also took her tally to an impressive ten goals in just eight appearances.
Osinachi Ohale was the hero for CF Pachuca Femenil in a pulsating 5–4 win over Club León. In a game that swung wildly from end to end, the Super Falcons defender rose to the occasion in the 83rd minute, firing home the decisive goal just moments after León had drawn level. Her late intervention secured all three points and lifted Pachuca to third on the table.
In England, Chiamaka Nnadozie continued to underline her status as one of the game’s finest goalkeepers. The three-time CAF Goalkeeper of the Year produced a composed and assured display as Brighton & Hove Albion stunned Arsenal 2–0 in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup quarter-final. Nnadozie made three crucial saves to preserve her third consecutive clean sheet, guiding her side into the semi-finals in style.
Across the Atlantic, Gift Monday made an instant statement in the NWSL, needing just two minutes off the bench to find the back of the net for Washington Spirit. Her strike sealed a 2–0 away victory over Bay FC and handed her side their first win of the season, a dream start to her campaign.
In Lithuania, Joy Ndidi Duru and Olamide Adugbe were both on target as MFA Žalgiris-MRU cruised to a 4–0 win over FK Transinvest. Duru opened the scoring while Adugbe added her third goal of the season, continuing a bright start after netting a brace on opening day.
Elsewhere, Christy Ucheibe delivered a solid defensive performance as Benfica eased to a 2–0 win over Torreense, extending their lead at the top of the Liga BPI to eight points. In France, Jennifer Echegini featured for PSG Féminine as they overcame Paris FC 2–1 in the Coupe de France semi-final despite being a player down, booking a second straight final against OL Lyonnes. Rasheedat Ajibade was absent from the matchday squad.
In Italy, Shukurat Oladipo played her part off the bench as AS Roma completed a thrilling 4–3 comeback win over Como. The victory not only preserved their six-point lead at the summit but also secured qualification for next season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League their fifth consecutive appearance. Rinsola Babajide, however, remained an unused substitute.
From Mexico to England, the United States to Europe, Nigerian players once again proved influential, leaving their mark in a weekend defined by standout performances and winning contributions.
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