Nigeria’s Christy Ucheibe stole the show with a brilliant brace, leading SL Benfica to a thrilling 4-3 comeback victory over Sevilla at the Algarve Women’s Football Trophy. The Super Falcons midfielder’s late double secured a stunning win for the Portuguese champions, showcasing her skill, determination, and talent.
Sevilla dominated the early stages, with Millaray Cortés and Lúcia Moral scoring in the 9th and 23rd minutes, respectively. The Spanish side’s strong start left Benfica trailing, but the Portuguese champions refused to back down. Cristina Martin-Prieto’s 29th-minute goal brought Benfica back into contention, setting the stage for a thrilling second half.
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Despite Sevilla restoring their two-goal lead, Benfica pushed hard for an equalizer. The Portuguese side’s persistence paid off in the 89th minute when Ucheibe scored her first goal, bringing Benfica within striking distance. The Super Falcons midfielder then sealed the victory in stoppage time with her second goal, completing an incredible comeback for Benfica.
Although Sevilla won the subsequent penalty shootout 5-3, Benfica’s win sets up a thrilling final match against Sporting on Saturday to decide the tournament’s winner. Ucheibe’s heroics have made her the standout player of the match, highlighting her potential and cementing her status as a rising star in women’s football.
Ucheibe’s performance demonstrates the talent and potential of Nigerian players in international competitions. Her late double showcases her ability to perform under pressure and her determination to lead her team to victory. As the Super Falcons prepare for future international competitions, Ucheibe’s emergence as a key player is a promising sign for Nigerian football.
The Algarve Women’s Football Trophy has provided a platform for talented players like Ucheibe to shine, and her performance against Sevilla will be remembered as one of the highlights of the tournament. With the final match against Sporting on the horizon, Benfica will look to Ucheibe to lead the charge and secure the tournament title.
