It was a weekend of contrasting emotions for Nigerian stars in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, with Joy Omewa’s brilliance firing Fortuna Hjørring ahead, Anam Imo’s strike falling short for Rosengard, and Rinsola Babajide adding flair to Roma’s dominant display.
Omewa delivered the decisive moment in Denmark, netting the only goal in Fortuna’s tense 1-0 win over Swiss side Young Boys. Her composed finish in the 58th minute secured passage into Round Three and underlined her reputation as a dependable match-winner. Substituted to a standing ovation in the 83rd minute, the Nigerian striker reminded fans why she was Denmark’s top scorer and Player of the Year last season. With Fortuna still in the hunt, her relentless drive may guide the champions towards the group stage.
In Sweden, Anam Imo struck for FC Rosengard but could not prevent a 3-2 defeat to Belgian champions OH Leuven. Rosengard collapsed early, conceding three goals in 35 minutes before rallying back. Emilia Larsson pulled one back on the hour, and Imo struck in the 72nd minute to spark belief. Yet, despite her efforts, the Swedish club’s comeback fell short. Fellow Nigerian Halimatu Ayinde fought tirelessly in midfield but could not prevent Rosengard’s early exit from Europe.
In Prague, Rinsola Babajide came off the bench to influence Roma’s 5-1 demolition of Sparta Prague. The Italian champions were already in control when Babajide set up Marta Pandini for Roma’s fifth. The assist marked her second in consecutive matches, further proof of her growing importance to the side. Fresh from winning the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria, the winger’s confidence is shining as Roma chase a group-stage berth.
The draws for the next rounds will be held later on Sunday.
Editorial
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We often speak of football as a theatre of dreams, but for Nigerian players in Europe this weekend, the stage delivered both triumph and anguish. Joy Omewa stood tall in Denmark, showing us once again what composure under pressure truly means. Her single strike did not just send Fortuna Hjørring through; it carried with it the pride of a nation watching from afar.
Yet, in Sweden, we felt the sting of near-glory. Anam Imo’s goal deserved to be remembered as the turning point, but football is a cruel game, and her efforts were left unrewarded. Paired with Halimatu Ayinde’s tireless performance, Rosengard’s early collapse was a reminder that talent alone cannot rescue a team when defensive discipline falters. Their exit leaves a gap in Nigerian representation, one that could have been filled with more resilience at the back.
Then came Rinsola Babajide’s cameo in Prague. With confidence flowing from her recent international success, she seized her moment, creating Roma’s fifth goal with artistry and precision. For her, the Champions League is not just another stage; it is a proving ground where every assist and every touch signals her rising influence.
What do we learn from these contrasting fortunes? Nigerian football is brimming with quality, yet consistency remains our greatest challenge. For every shining moment, there is a missed opportunity, a reminder that greatness demands more than flashes of brilliance. We must celebrate Omewa’s grit and Babajide’s flair, but we cannot ignore the lessons from Rosengard’s collapse.
If we truly want our stars to dominate Europe, we must demand higher standards at home, nurturing players to withstand adversity, not just bask in glory. And as we watched joy, pain, and promise unfold this weekend, one truth became clear: Nigerian football has the talent, but only discipline and persistence will transform potential into lasting triumph.
Did You Know?
- The UEFA Women’s Champions League was rebranded in 2009; before that, it was known as the UEFA Women’s Cup.
- AS Roma only made their debut in the competition during the 2022/23 season but reached the quarter-finals at the first attempt.
- Fortuna Hjørring are two-time Danish champions in Europe, famously reaching the final of the UEFA Women’s Cup in 2003.
- Nigerian women’s footballers have previously lifted the Champions League trophy, with Asisat Oshoala winning it with Barcelona in 2021.
- The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations win in 2024 was Nigeria’s 12th continental title, extending their record as Africa’s most successful women’s national team.
