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Legendary Nigeria star hits hat-trick as Echegini nets first UWCL goal in PSG’s draw with Benfica

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Nigeria international Asisat Oshoala continued a remarkable run of form on Wednesday night, scoring a second consecutive hat-trick to propel Al Hilal into the final of the Saudi Women’s Premier Challenge Cup with a commanding 6–2 victory over Al Ahly, Soccernet.ng reports.

The six-time African Women’s Player of the Year is now just one match away from lifting her first trophy with the Riyadh-based club.

Oshoala followed up her treble in a 5–0 quarter-final win over Eastern Flames with another devastating display in the semi-final.

The former Liverpool and Arsenal forward set the tone early, opening the scoring after a bright start from Al Hilal before striking again minutes later to give her side a firm grip on the contest heading into the break. Her movement between the lines and ruthless finishing repeatedly unsettled the Al Ahly defence, forcing the game decisively in Al Hilal’s favour.

The pressure told again early in the second half when Jéssica Silva made it 3–0, before Oshoala struck for the third time on the night, and her second hat-trick in as many matches, to effectively seal the outcome.

Nigeria Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala. Photo Credit: Al Hilal X

Late goals from Silva and Oshoala rounded off a dominant performance as Al Hilal displayed their growing authority in the competition and their credentials as genuine title contenders.

There will be no all-Nigerian final, however. In the other semi-final, Al Nassr produced a ruthless display to overwhelm Ashleigh Plumptre and Francisca Ordega’s Al Ittihad 5–0.

Nigeria and Al-Ittihad star Ashleigh Plumptre
Nigeria star Ashleigh Plumptre. Photo Credit: Al-Ittihad

Clara Luvanga scored twice with further goals from Andreia Faria, Ruth Kipoyi and Shuruq Al-Hawsawi crushing Al Ittihad’s resistance.

That result sets up a mouth-watering final between the top two teams in the Saudi Women’s Premier League, with Al Nassr and Al Hilal currently first and second in the standings. All eyes will again be on Oshoala, whose scoring streak has made her the tournament’s defining figure.

Nigeria and Al Hilal star Asisat Oshoala
Nigeria Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala. Photo Credit: Al Hilal X

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Nigeria’s Echegini shines early but PSG’s European hopes end

While Oshoala dominated in Saudi Arabia, it was a bittersweet night in Europe for Jennifer Echegini, whose early goal was not enough to prevent Paris Saint-Germain’s exit from the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

The Super Falcons forward opened the scoring inside five minutes against Benfica, calmly finishing to register her first Champions League goal of the season and give PSG a dream start.

Nigeria and PSG star Jennifer Echegini
Nigeria and PSG star Jennifer Echegini. Photo by IMAGO

However, Benfica gradually settled and were level before half-time after Lucia Alves won a penalty, which experienced defender Carole Costa converted to make it 1–1.

PSG thought they had reclaimed the lead shortly after the hour when Merveille Kanjinga found the net, but a lengthy VAR review ruled out the effort, a decision that shifted momentum away from the French side.

Nigeria Super Falcons and PSG star Jennifer Echegini in training
Nigeria Super Falcons and PSG star Jennifer Echegini. Photo by Justina Aniefiok Copyright: xxIMAGO

Despite late pressure, neither team managed to fashion clear openings in a subdued second half, with just one shot on target recorded after the break. The draw confirmed the end of both clubs’ European campaigns, with Benfica finishing 16th and PSG 17th, each collecting only two points from six matches.

PSG now turn their attention back to domestic matters, with Echegini set to feature prominently as they prepare for a thrilling Paris derby against Paris FC.

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