The 2025 Coupe de France Féminine final, a clash of Parisian titans, unfolded as a dramatic spectacle at the Stade de l’Épopée in Calais. Paris FC, seeking their first major title in nearly two decades, locked horns with the formidable Paris Saint-Germain, culminating in a goalless draw after 90 minutes of intense football. Ultimately, the destiny of the coveted trophy rested on the shoulders of Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, whose heroic performance between the posts etched her name into Paris FC folklore. Nnadozie’s two decisive penalty saves in the shootout, denying both Korbin Albert and Jade Le Guilly, propelled Paris FC to a 5-4 victory and their first taste of silverware since their 2006 Division 1 Féminine title.
The match itself was a captivating display of tactical prowess and athleticism from both sides. The opening exchanges saw Paris FC seize the initiative, creating several promising opportunities. Gaëtane Thiney, in what would be her final cup appearance for the club, nearly opened the scoring early on, her shot narrowly missing the target. Elisa de Almeida’s dangerous cross also threatened the PSG defense. PSG, however, were not to be outdone, with their midfield duo of Grace Geyoro and Marie-Antoinette Katoto orchestrating attacks and probing for weaknesses in the Paris FC backline. Griedge Mbock’s crucial intervention thwarted a Paris FC counter-attack, highlighting the tight and competitive nature of the contest. A flurry of chances followed for both teams, with Clara Mateo and Kessya Bussy testing the goalkeepers. Nnadozie’s acrobatic save in stoppage time, tipping Melween’s goal-bound effort over the bar, foreshadowed her pivotal role in the impending shootout.
As the final whistle blew, signaling the end of regulation time, the tension in the stadium became palpable. The fate of the Coupe de France hung in the balance, with penalties offering both teams an equal shot at glory. The shootout began with Théa Gréboval converting for Paris FC, followed by Romée Leuchter’s equalizer for PSG. Mateo then struck the woodwork for Paris FC, giving PSG a momentary advantage, quickly capitalized on by Katoto. However, Nnadozie, displaying nerves of steel, emerged as the decisive factor. Her diving save to deny Albert’s penalty injected renewed hope into the Paris FC camp. The tension escalated further as the shootout progressed to sudden death, with Nnadozie again proving her mettle by tipping away Le Guilly’s shot, sparking wild celebrations among her teammates and the traveling Paris FC supporters.
Nnadozie’s heroics in the final were not an isolated incident but rather the culmination of consistently impressive performances at both club and international levels. Her penalty-saving prowess has become a hallmark of her game. In the 2023-24 UEFA Women’s Champions League, she registered an astounding five penalty saves in just eight matches, thwarting attempts from renowned players like Arsenal and Wolfsburg stars, and even Spanish World Cup winner Olga Carmona of Real Madrid. Her domestic league performances have also been marked by crucial saves against the likes of Ines Benyahia of Le Havre and Aissata Traore of Guingamp. Nnadozie’s shot-stopping abilities have earned her a reputation as a formidable last line of defense.
Her international career with the Nigerian Super Falcons has been similarly decorated with moments of brilliance. At the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Nnadozie etched her name into Nigerian football history by denying Canadian icon Christine Sinclair from the penalty spot, securing a vital draw for her team. Her contributions to the Super Falcons extend to the 2022 Africa Women Cup of Nations qualifiers, where her penalty saves proved instrumental in Nigeria’s progress. She also garnered attention at the 2019 World Cup, saving a penalty against France, though the penalty was controversially retaken. Nnadozie’s performances for her country have solidified her status as a national hero and a rising star in women’s football.
The Coupe de France triumph marked a watershed moment for Paris FC, ending a long title drought and signaling their resurgence as a force to be reckoned with in French women’s football. The victory was particularly poignant for Thiney, a club legend, marking a fitting end to her illustrious cup career with Paris FC. Head coach Sandrine Soubeyrand’s tactical acumen, which guided the team through a challenging cup run, also deserves commendation. Nnadozie’s contributions, however, were undeniably the most decisive, placing her firmly at the heart of Paris FC’s historic triumph and adding another chapter to her burgeoning career.
