Ajibade, Echegini miss out on first PSG trophy News

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Ajibade, Echegini miss out on first PSG trophy

By Daily Sports Nigeria on March 16, 2026

Rasheedat Ajibade and Jennifer Echegini endured a frustrating night on Saturday as Paris Saint-Germain Féminine lost 1–0 to Olympique Lyonnais Féminin in the final of the first-ever LFFP Cup in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The two Nigerian stars came on in the second half as PSG chased the game, but their efforts were not enough as Lyon held on to claim the trophy in front of a packed crowd at the Stade Félix-Houphouët-Boigny — the same venue that hosted some Nigeria national football team matches during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The final was staged in Abidjan for the maiden edition of the competition, with the Women’s Football League Professional aiming to celebrate the growth of the women’s game in Africa.

The first half was tight and competitive. PSG tried to keep possession and build attacks patiently, while Lyon looked dangerous from set pieces and quick crosses into the box.

Lyon thought they had taken the lead in the 35th minute when Tabitha Chawinga found the net. However, the goal was ruled out after the assistant referee spotted an offside in the build-up.

That decision kept the match level at half-time, with both teams still hoping to make history by winning the inaugural LFFP Cup.

After the break, Lyon returned with greater intensity and began to push PSG deeper into their own half. They were first awarded a penalty in the 53rd minute, but the decision was overturned following a VAR review.

he breakthrough finally came six minutes later. Kadidiatou Diani delivered a low cross from the right wing that ran across the PSG penalty area, and Melchie Dumornay was perfectly positioned to finish from close range and make it 1–0 in the 59th minute.

Shortly after the hour mark, PSG coach Paulo César turned to his bench for inspiration. Ajibade and Echegini were introduced in place of Romée Leuchter and Jackie Groenen in a bid to change the momentum of the game.

Ajibade quickly became involved in PSG’s attacking play. The Nigeria captain used her pace and movement on the wings to create several promising moments as Paris pushed forward in search of an equaliser.

Echegini also worked hard in midfield, helping PSG move the ball quicker and linking play between defence and attack. The former Florida State Seminoles women’s soccer star added fresh energy as the match entered its closing stages.

However, PSG’s attacking push left them exposed at the back. Lyon nearly doubled their lead when they struck the post in the 75th minute before forcing Mary Earps into two important saves soon after.

Despite the intense heat in Abidjan and late pressure from PSG, Lyon held firm to secure the historic victory.

For Ajibade, the defeat means she must continue waiting for her first trophy since joining PSG last year, while Echegini is also still searching for her first major honour with the French club after arriving in 2024.

Source Punch Ng

Posted March 16, 2026