It was a weekend painted in shades of triumph and heartbreak for Nigerian stars in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, as Joy Omewa’s brilliance propelled Fortuna Hjørring forward, Anam Imo’s strike proved a bittersweet note for Rosengard, and Rinsola Babajide’s spark lit up Roma’s emphatic march.
Omewa the Hero in Denmark
Joy Omewa once again lived up to her reputation as Fortuna Hjørring’s golden girl, firing the Danish champions into Round Three with the only goal of the game in a tense 1-0 victory over Swiss side Young Boys.
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Her decisive strike in the 58th minute separated both sides in a clash of fine margins, underlining her poise and reliability on Europe’s grand stage.
Substituted to a rapturous ovation in the 83rd minute, Omewa’s display was yet another reminder of why she dominated headlines last season as Denmark’s top scorer and Player of the Year.
Now, with Fortuna marching on, the Nigerian forward’s hunger for goals could prove the compass guiding them toward the group stage.
Imo’s Strike Not Enough for Rosengard
In Sweden, Anam Imo carried the fight for FC Rosengard but saw her efforts fall short against Belgian champions OH Leuven in a dramatic 3-2 defeat.
Rosengard found themselves three goals adrift inside the opening 35 minutes, undone by Aurelie Reynders’ opener and a quickfire brace from Jada Conijnenberg.
But the Swedish giants mounted a spirited comeback. Emilia Larsson struck on the hour mark, and Imo, ever the poacher, pulled another back in the 72nd minute to spark hope.
Substituted late in the match, she left the pitch to applause, though Rosengard’s revival stopped short of an equaliser.
Compatriot Halimatu Ayinde battled for the full 90 minutes, her tireless midfield presence unable to rescue the Swedes, whose European journey now ends prematurely.
Babajide’s Spark in Roma’s Romp
Meanwhile in Prague, Rinsola Babajide entered the fray and immediately sprinkled stardust on AS Roma’s commanding 5-1 victory over Sparta Prague.
The Italian champions were already cruising with goals from Emilie Haavi, Lucia Di Guglielmo and a Manuela Giugliano brace when Babajide stepped off the bench in the 71st minute.
Within moments, she turned provider, slipping a clever pass to Marta Pandini for Roma’s fifth.
Although the hosts pulled one back late, Babajide’s contribution marked her second assist in as many matches — proof of a growing influence in a side brimming with attacking riches.
Fresh from lifting the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations trophy with Nigeria, the winger’s confidence is glowing as Roma eye the Champions League group stage.
The draws for the third round and final round to the Group Phase will hold later on Sunday.
