Three Super Falcons stars left a clear Nigerian imprint on the Saudi Women’s Premier Challenge Cup at the weekend, Soccernet.ng reports.
Francisca Ordega, Ashleigh Plumptre and Asisat Oshoala all played decisive roles in their clubs’ progression to the semi-finals of the prestigious competition.
At the Inaya Medical Colleges Stadium in Riyadh, Ordega was among the scorers while Plumptre delivered a commanding performance as captain, as Al-Ittihad swept aside NEOM 6–1 to seal a place in the last four.
Al-Ittihad wasted little time asserting control. Brazilian forward Leticia Nunes opened the scoring early on, before Ordega doubled the advantage in the 30th minute, calmly finishing to continue her impressive run in Saudi Arabia.
The goal was Ordega’s second against NEOM this season, having also found the net against the same opponents in a previous league meeting. Her movement and sharpness on the flanks continued to trouble NEOM’s defence, allowing Al-Ittihad to head into the interval with a comfortable 2–0 lead.
At the heart of it all was Plumptre. Wearing the captain’s armband, the Super Falcons defender led with composure and authority, marshalling the back line and ensuring Al-Ittihad remained organised even when NEOM attempted to press higher.
Any faint hopes of a comeback were extinguished moments after the restart when an unfortunate own goal stretched the lead to three. From there, Al-Ittihad took full control. Lina Boussaha produced a clinical hat-trick to turn dominance into demolition, while NEOM could only muster a late consolation.
The emphatic victory confirmed Al-Ittihad’s second-place finish in Group B, with maximum points from two matches. They will now face Al Nassr in the semi-finals on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, with a place in the final firmly within reach.
فرحتنـا بالتأهـل pic.twitter.com/mCZMRRVOdY
— Al-Ittihad Ladies | سيدات الاتحاد (@ittiladiesclub) December 14, 2025
Get Our Sports News First – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!
Nigerian great Oshoala ruthless again as Al Hilal storm into semi-finals
If Al-Ittihad impressed collectively, Asisat Oshoala delivered a reminder of her enduring individual brilliance.
Earlier on Saturday, the six-time African Player of the Year produced a devastating hat-trick as Al Hilal dismantled Eastern Flames 5–0 at the Al Taraji Club Stadium to book their own semi-final spot.
Oshoala entered the contest in fine form, having scored six league goals in seven appearances, and she wasted little time extending that run. She opened the scoring in the first half, capping a dominant Al Hilal display and ensuring her side went into the break firmly in control.
A 10/10 performance for Oashoala pic.twitter.com/G7hRIJiolg
— سيدات الهلال (@alhilal_ws) December 13, 2025
The Nigerian forward struck again shortly after the restart, showing composure and predatory instinct to double the advantage. Eastern Flames struggled to cope with Al Hilal’s relentless attacking tempo, and Oshoala completed her treble later in the match, netting the fourth goal to register her first hat-trick of the season.
The 5–0 victory secured Al Hilal second place in Group A, behind group winners Al Nassr. Al Qadisiyah finished third, level on points with Al Hilal but trailing on goal difference.
Oshoala, who has won the most titles in the history of Nigerian women football, will be keen to power Al Hilal to the club's first trophy since lifting the Kingdom Women’s Community Football League title in 2020.
