Chiamaka Nnadozie Heroics Fire Brighton Women Into First-Ever FA Cup Final After Liverpool Comeback

Brighton & Hove Albion Women will appear in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup final for the first time in their history after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Liverpool Women in a semi-final played at St Helens on May 10, 2026. The result, sealed deep into stoppage time, was built on resilience, a late substitution, and a crucial intervention from Nigeria international Chiamaka Nnadozie.

Liverpool were dominant in the opening stages and appeared to be in full control by the 22nd minute. Denise O’Sullivan put the hosts ahead with a header before Beata Olsson doubled the advantage with a close-range finish, leaving Brighton with a significant deficit to overturn.

The visitors gave themselves a foothold before the interval when defender Manuela Vanegas pulled a goal back, reducing the arrears to 2-1 and shifting the momentum heading into the second half. Brighton continued to press for an equaliser after the break, though former Chelsea Women’s midfielder Fran Kirby squandered a notable opportunity to level the tie.

The equaliser eventually arrived through Madison Haley, whose header made it 2-2 and set up a tense finale. With the game entering its closing stages and a winner still to be found, Nnadozie’s contribution proved pivotal. With less than 10 minutes remaining, Liverpool substitute Aurelie Csillag threatened to restore the lead, only for the Nigerian shot-stopper to produce a vital save that kept Brighton in the contest.

Nnadozie, who has established herself as one of the standout goalkeepers in the Women’s Super League since joining Brighton, has been a regular fixture between the posts for the Super Falcons and has drawn widespread recognition for her performances at club and international level. Her intervention at a critical juncture of the semi-final underlined her importance to Brighton’s campaign.

The decisive moment arrived in the 95th minute when substitute Nadine Noordam, who had entered the pitch in place of Kirby late in the match, controlled the ball before firing home to complete the comeback and send Brighton to Wembley. The goal prompted wild celebrations from players and supporters, with Brighton & Hove Albion Women’s official account confirming the achievement on social media shortly after the final whistle.

Brighton will now face the challenge of preparing for their first-ever Women’s FA Cup final appearance, scheduled to take place at Wembley Stadium on May 31, 2026. The Adobe Women’s FA Cup final represents the pinnacle of the domestic women’s cup competition in England, with previous finals having attracted record attendances at the national stadium in recent years.

The result eliminates Liverpool Women from a competition in which they were seeking to add to their domestic silverware, while Brighton’s progression marks a significant milestone for a club that has invested heavily in its women’s football infrastructure over recent seasons.