By Boluwatife Kehinde
The 2025/26 Women’s Super League season opened with Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie making a confident debut for Brighton, keeping a clean sheet in their goalless draw with Aston Villa.
The 24-year-old, a summer signing for the Seagulls, produced four crucial saves to secure a valuable point for her new side.
Brighton now face a tough away test against Manchester City on Friday, 12 September, while Aston Villa take on defending champions Chelsea at Villa Park on Sunday, 14 September.
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In one of the weekend’s headline clashes, Nigeria’s Toni Payne featured for Everton in their emphatic 4–1 victory over Liverpool in the Merseyside derby.
The spotlight, however, fell on new arrival Ornella Vignola, who marked her debut with a stunning hat-trick.
The 20-year-old forward, signed from Granada, wasted no time announcing herself in English football, firing three goals to hand the Toffees a dominant start to the campaign. Payne impressed in midfield, driving Everton’s transitions and helping them dictate the pace.
Liverpool, led by new manager Gareth Taylor, showed early promise but were overwhelmed by Everton’s intensity after the break. The heavy defeat leaves them searching for answers ahead of their next fixture.
Elsewhere, newly promoted Charlton celebrated a dream return to top-flight football with victory over fellow debutants Crystal Palace.
READ ALSO: Nnadozie stars as Super Falcons draw with Portugal
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur also began their campaigns with wins, underlining their determination to challenge at the top this season.
With clean sheets, debut heroics and surprise results, the opening weekend delivered drama and excitement, setting the tone for what promises to be a fiercely competitive season.
Nigerian internationals Nnadozie and Payne both played influential roles for their clubs, underscoring the rising impact of African players in the WSL.
