Super Falcons GK Chiamaka Nnadozie leads Paris FC to historic Champions League win over Wolfsburg
The Parisians were the underdogs against the former champions, but they pulled off a near-impossible win away from home
Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie saved a crucial penalty as Paris FC defeated Wolfsburg 0-2 on Wednesday night to reach the group stage of the UEFA Women’s Champions League for the first time in a decade.
Ahead of kick-off, Wolfsburg, two-time winners of the competition, held the advantage after forcing Paris FC to a 3-3 draw at the Stade Charléty in Paris seven days ago.
A win of any manner at the AOK Stadion in Wolfsburg would have sealed a group stage spot for the seven-time German Bundesliga champions.
And it seems the only possible outcome for the She-wolves that have not lost in 12 of their last 13 UEFA Champions League Women’s games.
But Paris FC had a different plan in mind, and the French side should have taken the lead in the 12th minute, but Faëtane Thiney missed from the penalty spot.
In the 22nd minute, Paris FC nearly got punished for that miss, but Nnadozie was relieved to see Pajor’s cracking effort crash off the woodwork.
And with seven minutes left in the first half, the visitors stunned the home fans as they took the lead through Julie Dufour.
Five minutes after the interval, Nnadozie made a crucial save from Pajor’s attempt at goal as the Germans searched for the equaliser.
On the hour mark, Wolfsburg were awarded a penalty kick following a foul on star girl Popp, but Nnadozie won the psychological battle by saving Dominique Janssen’s shot from 12 yards out.
Paris FC defended their lead like their lives depended on it, and deep into stoppage time, substitute Louise Fleury doubled the French ladies’ advantage to snuff out any hopes of a Wolfsburg comeback.
Nnadozie made two key saves afterwards as Paris FC won 5-3 on aggregate, and advanced to the group stage for the first time since 2013 when they reached the semifinal of the Champions League.