UWCL Wrap: Super Falcons stars endure mixed fortunes in European challenge

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Chiamaka Nnadozie and Christy Uchiebe endured mixed fortunes in their 2023/2024 UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) campaigns following the completion of the group stage across Europe on Thursday.

For goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, she could not save her French side, Paris FC conceding four goals in a 4-0 loss to English champions, England.

Two goals each in either half by the Blues ended the Parisian quest to qualify for the knockout stage of the tournament as Frank Kirby, Mia Fishel, Guro Reiten, and Maren Mjelden were on target for the London side.

The former Rivers Angels safehands saw 90 minutes of action in France but couldn’t prevent her team from bowing out of the competition.

With seven points from six games, Paris FC finished third in Group D – four points behind BK Hacken (11 points) and seven adrift of leaders Chelsea (14 points).

Elsewhere, Christy Ucheibe’s SL Benfica traded tackle with reigning European champions Barcelona in the quarter-final in the last group game on Wednesday, with both sides sharing the spoils.

The encounter produced an eight-goal thriller as the Portuguese and Spanish champions settled for a 4-4 draw.

While Carolina Hansen (brace), Patricia Guijarro, and Lucy Bronze scored for the Catalan side, Alidou d’Anjou (brace), Jessica Silva, and Bronze (own goal) forced the hosts to a stalemate.

Barcelona topped Group A with 16 points while SL Benfica followed with nine points after six games.

Overall, Uchiebe remained the only Nigerian left in European competition, following the exit of Asisat Oshoala.