Chiamaka Nnadozie shines as Brighton stun Arsenal to reach FA Cup semifinals
Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie delivered a commanding performance as Brighton & Hove Albion secured a 2–0 victory over Arsenal to book their place in the semifinals of the Women’s FA Cup on Sunday.
The 25-year-old continued her impressive run between the sticks, recording a third consecutive clean sheet following shutouts against Leicester City and Liverpool in the league. Against a dominant Arsenal side, Nnadozie’s composure and sharp reflexes once again proved decisive.
Arsenal controlled much of the possession in the first half but struggled to convert their dominance into clear-cut chances. Brighton, meanwhile, looked the more threatening on the break, though both sides went into the interval level.
The visitors wasted no time after the restart. Just three minutes into the second half, Madison Haley broke the deadlock with a clinical finish to hand Brighton the advantage.
In search of a response, Arsenal made a triple substitution in the 58th minute, but Brighton struck again shortly after. Caitlin Hayes rose highest to head home from a pinpoint Fran Kirby delivery, doubling the lead and putting the tie firmly in Brighton’s grasp.
The hosts pushed forward in the closing stages, but Brighton’s defensive discipline held firm. When called upon, Nnadozie stood tall, producing a string of fine saves to preserve her clean sheet. Despite a late knock, the Nigerian goalkeeper showed resilience to see out the game.
The victory sends Brighton into the final four of the competition, while Arsenal must now turn their focus back to their UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign and the Women’s Super League, where they sit third.
For Nnadozie, it was another milestone performance. She now boasts eight clean sheets in 18 appearances across all competitions this season and is joint-top for the most clean sheets in this season’s Women’s FA Cup.
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