Chiamaka Nnadozie’s goalkeeping heroics leads Paris to historic UWCL group stage

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigerian goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie saved another penalty to help Paris FC upset last season’s runners-up, Wolfsburg to reach the group stage of UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) for the first time on Wednesday.

The Super Falcons shot-stopper had saved two penalties as the capital side beat 2006/2007 European champions Arsenal FC on penalties in the previous round of the European club competition.

With the first leg tied of the second round fixture at 3-3 in France, Paris FC had the chance to open the scoring in the 12th minute but Gaetane Thiney missed the penalty kick in the reverse encounter on Wednesday.

In the 38th minute, the visitors finally broke the deadlock as Julie Dufour scored the opener at the AOK Stadion, Wolfsburg.

The German side also got their chance to level the scoreline after the referee awarded a penalty and Parisian goalkeeper stopped Dominique Janssen’s resulting spot kick in the 61st minute.

Having escaped the German’s onslaught, Louise Fleury scored the deciding goal in the 90th minute to seal a 2-0 win for the visitors.

Nnadozie was behind the sticks for the full 90 minutes as her team ensured a 5-3 win on aggregate which secured her French side a place in the group stage of the 2023/2024 UEFA Women’s Champions League.

It was a historic feat for Nnadozie and Paris FC as the team made it to the group stage of the Women’s Champions League for the first time after the team’s takeover and change of name.

The last time the club moved past the qualification stage was when it was called FCF Juvisy.