The 2025 Coupe de France Féminine final marks a historic occasion, pitting two Parisian powerhouses, Paris FC and Paris Saint-Germain, against each other for the first time in the tournament’s history. The Stade de l’Épopée in Calais sets the stage for this monumental clash, a match laden with significance for both clubs, but particularly for Paris FC, who last tasted glory in this competition two decades ago under their former guise, FCF Juvisy. Having endured eight agonizing semi-final defeats since their 2005 triumph, Paris FC are eager to reclaim their place at the summit of French women’s football. Their resurgence is embodied by the exceptional talent of Chiamaka Nnadozie, the Super Falcons goalkeeper who has become an indispensable figure in their quest for silverware.
Nnadozie’s presence in goal has been transformative for Paris FC. Her remarkable consistency and shot-stopping prowess have earned her a well-deserved place in the Arkema Première Ligue Team of the Season for the second year running. Throughout the league campaign, she registered an impressive 11 clean sheets in 18 matches, a testament to her commanding presence in the box and her ability to thwart even the most potent attacks. Her save percentage of 80.7% underscores her reliability, while her stingy concession rate of just 0.62 goals per 90 minutes highlights her ability to keep opponents at bay.
The Nigerian international’s influence extends beyond the league, proving pivotal in Paris FC’s journey to the Coupe de France final. While teammate Ines Marques guarded the net in the earlier rounds, Nnadozie took over for the crucial knockout stages, guiding her team past formidable opponents like Dijon FCO and Le Havre AC. Her resilience was particularly evident in the semi-final against Le Havre, where she faced a stern test from Madeline Roth, the only player to breach Paris FC’s otherwise impenetrable defence in the competition.
Nnadozie’s participation in the final was briefly jeopardized by a concerning injury sustained during a league match against Fleury 91. A heavy challenge forced her off the field on a stretcher, raising fears about her availability for the Calais showdown. However, much to the relief of Paris FC and Nigerian fans, she has made a full recovery and is expected to start, providing a significant boost to their hopes of upsetting the four-time defending champions. The final represents an opportunity for Nnadozie and her teammates to exorcise the demons of last year’s semi-final defeat to PSG, a painful memory they are determined to rewrite.
Paris Saint-Germain, the reigning champions, enter the final with the aura of a team accustomed to success in this competition. This marks their fifth consecutive appearance in the final and their ninth overall, a testament to their consistent dominance in French women’s football. Having lifted the trophy in 2010, 2018, 2022, and 2024, they are aiming for their first successful title defence, adding another layer of prestige to their already impressive record. Their path to the final has been marked by convincing victories, including a commanding performance against Saint-Étienne in the semi-finals, following earlier triumphs against Croix Blanche Angers, Nantes, and Le Mans.
The clash between these two Parisian rivals promises a captivating spectacle, a battle of contrasting styles and strengths. PSG’s formidable attack, spearheaded by the likes of Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Sandy Baltimore, will pose a significant challenge for Nnadozie and the Paris FC defence. The Nigerian goalkeeper’s shot-stopping abilities, organizational skills, and composure under pressure will be crucial in neutralizing PSG’s potent offensive threat. This final represents not just a standalone cup tie but the culmination of a season-long rivalry, with the two previous league encounters between the sides ending in hard-fought draws. The first, a 1-1 stalemate at Stade Charléty in December, showcased Nnadozie’s ability to remain calm and collected in the face of relentless pressure. The second, another draw in March, further emphasized the evenly matched nature of this Parisian derby. As the footballing focus shifts from the iconic Eiffel Tower to the Stade de l’Épopée in Calais, all eyes will be on this historic encounter, with Nnadozie, Clara Matéo, and Kessya Bussy leading the charge for Paris FC as they seek to etch their names into the club’s history books.
