It was a tough start to the UEFA Women’s Champions League league phase for Nigerian players across Europe, as their clubs all suffered defeats on Matchday 1, www.aclsports.com reports.
In Germany, Rasheedat Ajibade and Jennifer Echegini both started for Paris Saint-Germain, but their efforts weren’t enough to prevent a 4–0 defeat to Wolfsburg. The French side struggled with Wolfsburg’s pressing and sharp finishing, conceding twice in each half.
PSG improved after the break and created chances, with Ajibade and Echegini going close early on, but Stina Johannes in goal for Wolfsburg denied them. Despite a better second-half display, PSG couldn’t find a way through. They will now prepare to host Real Madrid, who opened their campaign with a 6–2 win over AS Roma.
Over in Spain, Shukurat Oladipo watched from the bench as AS Roma suffered a 6–2 defeat to Real Madrid. Roma matched Madrid goal for goal in a frantic first half until Alba Redondo’s second restored the visitors’ lead before the break.
Madrid dominated after halftime, adding three more goals as Roma struggled to respond. Linda Caicedo pulled the strings for the Spanish side with a hat-trick of assists, while Rinsola Babajide, who scored in the league at the weekend, missed the match. Roma will now face AC Milan in Serie A before welcoming Barcelona in Matchday 2 of the UWCL league phase.
In Italy, Christy Ucheibe featured for Benfica on Tuesday as they began their campaign with a 2–1 defeat to Juventus. The Super Falcons midfielder started on the bench and was introduced in the second half, adding energy and steel to their game, but her efforts weren’t enough to change the outcome.
Benfica had made a bright start, taking the lead in the 6th minute, but Cecilia Salvai equalised before halftime and struck again in the 86th minute to seal the win.
Ucheibe and her teammates will now turn their focus to domestic duties with a trip to Valadares Gaia in the League, before hosting Arsenal in their next Champions League fixture.
