Nigerian players were in action across different leagues over the weekend, with Ashleigh Plumptre, Francisca Ordega and Asisat Oshoala all finishing on the podium at the Saudi Women’s Premier Challenge Cup, www.aclsports.com reports.
The final saw Asisat Oshoala, who scored a hat-trick on the way to the showpiece, end on the losing side as Al Hilal fell 2–0 to Al Nassr, who went on to lift the trophy. Goals from Ruth Kipoyi and Clara Luvanga proved decisive.
Earlier, in the third-place match, Ashleigh Plumptre and Francisca Ordega bounced back from semi-final disappointment to help Al Ittihad secure a podium finish with the bronze medal. Al Ittihad overturned a two-goal deficit to draw 2–2 with Al Ahli before edging the contest 3–1 on penalties on Saturday.
Shukurat Oladipo was named in the starting line-up while Rinsola Babajide featured from the bench as AS Roma eased into the Coppa Italia quarter-finals with a 4–1 away win over Lumezzane on Sunday. After Giada Burbassi handed the hosts an early lead, Marta Pandini restored parity before Manuela Giugliano and a brace from Evelyne Viens sealed the comeback. Roma will next face Lazio over two legs scheduled for 20–22 January and 27–29 January.
In Turkey, Flourish Sabastine was in the starting line-up as Fenerbahçe maintained their lead at the top of the Women’s Super League with a 3–0 win over Giresun. Goals from Ece Türkoğlu, María Paula Salas and İpek Kaya secured the comfortable victory.
Elsewhere, Oluwatosin Demehin’s Galatasaray suffered a 1–0 defeat to Chioma Olise’s Trabzonspor, with Natalia Oleszkiewicz scoring the decisive goal in the 73rd minute. Despite the loss, Galatasaray remain second, level on points with Trabzonspor but ahead on goal difference, while Fenerbahçe stay four points clear at the summit.
In Portugal, Christy Ucheibe started in defence as Benfica were held to a 1–1 draw by Sporting CP in the Liga BPI. Nycole Raysla gave Benfica the lead in the 21st minute before Telma Encarnação converted a late penalty to rescue a point for Sporting. Benfica remain unbeaten and top of the table with 20 points, five ahead of their closest rivals.
For Paris Saint-Germain, Jennifer Echegini was not included in the matchday squad as they played out a 0–0 draw against Paris FC. Rasheedat Ajibade remains unavailable as she continues her recovery from injury.
