Rasheedat Ajibade and Joe Echegini endured a frustrating night as Paris Saint-Germain Women lost 1-0 to Lyon in the final of the first-ever LFFP Cup in Abidjan, Soccernet.ng reports.
The two Nigerian stars came on in the second half to help PSG chase 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 in Côte d’Ivoire on Saturday.
The final was moved to Abidjan for the first edition of the competition, with the Women’s Football League hoping to celebrate the growth of the women’s game in Africa. Thousands of fans filled the stadium, including many members of the Côte d’Ivoire PSG supporters’ club, who turned out in large numbers to support the Paris team.
PSG came into the match with confidence after a 2-1 league victory in the famous French “Classique” earlier in the week. Coach Paulo César named a strong starting line-up, with England goalkeeper Mary Earps behind a defence led by Griedge Mbock and Thiniba Samoura. Elisa De Almeida and Olga Carmona played at full-back, while Jackie Groenen and Anaïs Ebayilin controlled the midfield.
The first half was tight and competitive. PSG tried to keep the ball and build attacks patiently, while Lyon looked dangerous from set pieces and quick crosses into the box.
Lyon thought they had taken the lead when Malawi forward Tabitha Chawinga scored in the 35th minute. However, the goal was ruled out after the assistant referee spotted an offside in the build-up.
That decision kept the game level at half-time, with both teams still hoping to make history by winning the first LFFP Cup.
Ajibade and Echegini spark late PSG fight
After the break, Lyon returned with more energy 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 after a VAR review.
The breakthrough finally arrived six minutes later. Kadidiatou Diani delivered a low cross from the right wing that ran across the PSG penalty area. Melchie Dumornay was perfectly placed and calmly finished from close range to make it 1-0 to Lyon in the 59th minute.
PSG responded by increasing the pressure. Sakina Karchaoui tried her luck from long distance as the Paris side searched for a way back into the match.
Shortly after the hour mark, Paulo César turned to his bench for inspiration. Rasheedat Ajibade and Joe Echegini were introduced, replacing 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 showed her pace and movement on the wings, creating several promising moments as Paris pushed forward in search of an equaliser.
Echegini also worked hard in midfield, helping PSG move the ball faster and linking play between defence and attack. The former Florida State Seminoles star tried to add fresh energy to the team as the game entered its final stages.
However, pushing forward left PSG 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 the growing pressure, 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. The Super Falcons captain previously won the Copa de la Reina (2022–23) and the Spanish Super Cup (2020–21) during her time at Atlético Madrid.
Echegini is also still searching for her first major honour with the French club after arriving in 2024. The Nigerian midfielder famously won the NCAA Division I women’s title with Florida State before moving to Europe.
PSG will now turn their attention to the Coupe de France, where they face Dijon on Wednesday as they aim to bounce back and keep their hopes of silverware alive this season.
