Nnadozie heroic penalty saves for Paris send Arsenal packing from Champions League

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie shone in the penalty shootout as Paris reached the second round of the 2023/2024 UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifiers after a 4-2 win on penalties against 2023 semi-finalists Arsenal on Saturday.

After a goalless first half, quickfire goals in the second half gave the French side a two goal lead.

Mathilde Bourdieu scored the opener in the 56th minutes after a direct free kick from Nnadozie.

A minute later, Paris FC doubled their lead thanks to another goal from Bourdieu.

Former Manchester United star, Alessia Russo reduced the deficit for the Gunners in the 80th minute before the referee signalled nine minutes additional time.

Defender, Jen Beattie took the game into extra time after her 96th minute equaliser. Louise Fleury thought she had won the game for Paris in the second half of the extra time for Russo’s second goal to drag the game into penalties.

Russo alongside Frida Maanum missed two spotkicks for Jonas Eideval side while Daphne Corboz missed one for Paris FC which eo the shoot outs 4-2.

 Nnadozie was behind the sticks for the French team throughout the game saving three of six shots on target directed at her.

The team progressed to the final of the Qualifiers with a win guaranteeing a place in the group stage of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.