It was a night of contrasting fortunes for Nigeria’s top women’s football stars, as Asisat Oshoala shone on her Saudi Arabian debut while Chiamaka Nnadozie suffered her first defeat in England.
Oshoala, who joined Al-Hilal from Bay FC on 2 September, wasted no time making an impact. The six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year scored from the penalty spot to help her side beat Al-Qadsiah 4-3 in the opening match of the Saudi Women’s Premier League.
The Ikorodu-born striker played the full 90 minutes, had three shots on goal and was central to Al-Hilal’s attack. She has now scored on debut in four different countries, having previously done so in England, Spain and the United States.
Meanwhile in Manchester, Super Falcons goalkeeper Nnadozie could not replicate the joy. The Brighton new signing, who impressed with a clean sheet and a Player of the Match performance on her debut against Aston Villa, was beaten twice as Manchester City came from behind to win 2-1 at the Academy Stadium.
Fran Kirby had given Brighton the lead in the 14th minute, but City responded after the break. Khadija Shaw equalised with a header in the 58th minute before substitute Aoba Fujino set up Yui Hasegawa for the winner in the 74th.
Despite the defeat, Nnadozie made several key saves, including a smart stop to deny Vivianne Miedema in the first half. Manchester City’s new manager Andrée Jeglertz claimed his first Women’s Super League victory, while Brighton will hope to bounce back in their next match against West Ham on 21 September. City face Tottenham two days earlier on 19 September.