Nigeria’s Nnadozie stars as Brighton shock Liverpool to reach first-ever FA Cup final

Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie delivered another huge performance on Saturday as Brighton & Hove Albion produced a stunning late comeback to beat Liverpool 3-2 and reach the Women’s FA Cup final for the first time in the club’s history, Footynaija reports.

For much of the afternoon at St Helens Stadium, Liverpool looked firmly in control. The Reds raced into a two-goal lead inside 22 minutes and appeared set for a comfortable passage to Wembley before Brighton turned the semi-final upside down.

Liverpool struck first in the 11th minute when Republic of Ireland midfielder Denise O’Sullivan glanced a header beyond Nnadozie after an excellent delivery from Ceri Holland.

The pressure continued and Brighton’s defence struggled to settle. Swedish striker Beata Olsson doubled Liverpool’s advantage midway through the first half after reacting quickest inside the penalty area and firing a powerful finish high into the net.

At 2-0, Liverpool looked comfortable. But Brighton responded almost immediately.
Colombian defender Manuela Vanegas bundled home from close range just moments later to pull one back and suddenly change the momentum of the contest.

WE ARE GOING TO WEMBLEY . STRAIGHT INTO THE FA CUP FINALS . SUPER PROUD OF THESE TEAM 💙💪

I GIVE GOD THE GLORY 🙏 pic.twitter.com/PdGH7Ep5pA

— Nnadozie chiamaka (O.O.N) (@Nadoziechiamaka) May 10, 2026

Brighton carried that energy into the second half and eventually levelled in the 54th minute. Japanese winger Kiko Seike whipped in an inviting cross which American forward Madison Haley headed beyond Liverpool goalkeeper Jennifer Falk.

As the game opened up, Nnadozie became Brighton’s saviour.

The Nigerian produced two outstanding late saves to stop Liverpool from reclaiming the lead. First, she denied substitute Aurélie Csillag in a one-on-one situation before brilliantly tipping over a fierce strike from Cornelia Kapocs.

A crucial save by Chiamaka Nnadozie for @BHAFCWomen 🧤

📺 @C4Sport, @footballontnt and @hbomax pic.twitter.com/6uzOjeBwtT

— Adobe Women’s FA Cup (@AdobeWFACup) May 10, 2026

Those moments proved decisive. Deep into stoppage time, Brighton won a free-kick near the Liverpool area. Chaos followed inside the box before substitute Nadine Noordam reacted quickest and smashed the ball into the roof of the net in the 95th minute.

Brighton’s players and coaching staff sprinted onto the pitch at the final whistle as Liverpool collapsed in disbelief after throwing away a commanding advantage.

Manager Dario Vidosic now takes Brighton to Wembley, where they will face either Chelsea Women or Manchester City Women on 31 May.