Nigeria and Super Falcons star Jennifer Echegini endured a painful return to Turin with PSG in the UWCL.
Juventus Women delivered a stunning performance in the UEFA Women's Champions League (UWCL) playoff Round 2, defeating Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 in a match that saw Nigerian star Jennifer Echegini face her former team.
The game played on Wednesday at the Pozzo-La Marmora stadium in Biella, Italy, sets up an intriguing second leg in Paris next week.
11:04 - 17.09.2024
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Match Highlights
Juventus took control early with Amalie Vangsgaard opening the scoring off an assist from Cantore.
PSG's Thiniba Samoura quickly equalised, but Sofia Cantore restored Juventus' lead with a spectacular solo effort just before halftime.
Bennison sealed the victory in the second half, capitalising on another Cantore assist to make it 3-1.
The Bianconeri's confident display, combining solid defense and clinical attacking, gives them a significant advantage heading into the return leg in Paris on September 26.
Echegini's Bittersweet Return
For Super Falcons forward Jennifer Onyi Echegini, the match marked a harsh reality check in her return to Turin.
The 23-year-old Nigerian midfielder, who recently completed a high-profile transfer to PSG, signing a contract until June 2027, found herself on the losing side against her former club.
Echegini had enjoyed a successful, albeit brief, stint at Juventus earlier this year, scoring 10 goals and providing an assist in just 16 appearances over six months.
Her performances earned her a spot in the Championship Team of the Year and the title of Juventus' best young player of the season before her shock departure to France.
The result puts Juventus in a strong position to advance, while PSG faces an uphill battle in the return leg.
For Echegini, the match serves as a reminder of the challenges that come with high-profile transfers and the competitive nature of top-level women's football.
It is left to be seen how PSG and Echegini will respond to this setback, and whether Juventus can maintain their impressive form to secure their place in the next round of the UWCL.