Super Falcons players, Rasheedat Ajibade and Jennifer Echegini endured a frustrating evening on Saturday as Paris Saint‑Germain Féminine lost 1–0 to Olympique Lyonnais Féminin in the final of the inaugural LFFP Cup in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
Both Super Falcons duo were introduced in the second half as PSG chased the game and attempted a comeback, but their efforts were not enough as Lyon held on to claim the historic trophy in front of a packed crowd at the Stade Félix‑Houphouët‑Boigny.
The iconic stadium also hosted several matches involving the Nigeria national football team during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The final was staged in Abidjan as part of the maiden edition of the competition organised by the Ligue Féminine de Football Professionnel (LFFP), aimed at celebrating the growth and global influence of women’s football, particularly in Africa.
Cagey First Half Ends Goalless
The match began with both sides showing caution in a tense and competitive first half.
The opening half proved to be tightly contested, with PSG looking to dominate possession and build their attacks patiently while Lyon threatened primarily from set-pieces and quick deliveries into the penalty area.
Lyon believed they had broken the deadlock in the 35th minute when Tabitha Chawinga found the back of the net.
However, the assistant referee raised the flag for offside in the build-up, ruling out the goal.
The decision ensured the match remained level at the break, leaving both teams still dreaming of making history by lifting the first-ever LFFP Cup.
Dumornay Strikes to Hand Lyon the Trophy
Lyon returned from the interval with greater urgency and began pushing PSG deeper into their own half.
They were initially awarded a penalty in the 53rd minute, but the decision was overturned after a VAR review.
The breakthrough eventually arrived six minutes later.
Former PSG star Kadidiatou Diani delivered a low cross from the right wing that travelled across the penalty area, where Melchie Dumornay was perfectly positioned to finish from close range and make it 1–0 in the 59th minute.
Ajibade and Echegini Introduced as PSG Push Forward
Shortly after the hour mark, PSG head coach Paulo César turned to his bench in search of inspiration.
Super Falcons Duo, Ajibade and Echegini were introduced for Romée Leuchter and Jackie Groenen respectively in a attempt to shift the dominance of the match.
Ajibade quickly made her presence felt, using her pace and movement on the wings to create several promising attacking moments as PSG pushed for an equaliser.
Echegini also brought fresh energy to midfield, helping PSG move the ball more quickly and linking play between defence and attack.
Despite their efforts, Lyon remained solid defensively.
Lyon Hold Firm Under Pressure
PSG’s late attacking push left them vulnerable at the back, and Lyon nearly doubled their advantage in the 75th minute when they struck the post.
Goalkeeper Mary Earps was then called into action, producing two important saves to keep PSG within reach.
Despite the intense Abidjan heat and sustained late pressure from PSG, Lyon remained composed to secure a narrow victory and lift the trophy.
Trophy Wait Continues for Super Falcons Duo
For Ajibade, the defeat means she must continue waiting for her first trophy since joining PSG last year.
Meanwhile, Echegini is also still searching for her maiden major honour with the French club after completing her move in 2024.
Historic Final Played in Africa for First Time
The final represented a landmark moment for French women’s football, not only because Lyon defeated PSG but also because the match was staged outside France.
According to LFFP director-general, Paul‑Hervé Douillard, the decision to hold the final in Abidjan was part of a strategy to expand the global reach of the women’s game.
The event was organised through a partnership with the Ministry of Sports of Côte d’Ivoire, which is working to promote women’s sport across the country.
Douillard explained that hosting the match in Africa would provide greater media exposure and strengthen ties with the continent, which he described as an important talent pool for the French league.
However, the decision to stage the match abroad was criticized by supporters of both clubs, who argued that moving the final away from France undermined the local roots of the sport.
Douillard acknowledged the concerns but insisted the league remains committed to growing both domestically and internationally.
He noted that attendances in France have steadily increased in recent years, with several women’s matches attracting crowds of more than 15,000 spectators.
Opportunity to Inspire Women’s Football in Ivory Coast
For Yacine Idriss Diallo, president of the Ivorian Football Federation, hosting the final represented an opportunity to inspire a new generation of players.
Diallo said bringing two of Europe’s leading women’s clubs to Abidjan would allow thousands of spectators and millions of television viewers across Africa to witness elite-level women’s football.
Women’s football in Ivory Coast is still developing but is experiencing rapid growth, and local officials hope events like this can help accelerate its progress.
Busy Schedule for Both Finalists
Both clubs travelled to Abidjan despite a demanding fixture schedule.
PSG, in particular, faced a tight turnaround after playing a domestic match before travelling to Ivory Coast and preparing to return to France for their Coupe de France Féminine quarter-final.
PSG captain Sakina Karchaoui described the trip as a unique experience and said the squad approached the final with enthusiasm despite the logistical challenges.
The occasion also held personal significance for players with Ivorian heritage, including Anaïs Ebayilin of PSG and Vicki Becho of Lyon.
Football Beyond the Pitch
The trip also included several community initiatives.
Players from Lyon visited young patients at the Mère‑Enfant Hospital of Abidjan in the Adjamé district, while PSG representatives inaugurated a football pitch in the city.
More than 20,000 spectators attended the final at Stade Félix-Houphouët-Boigny, where tickets were distributed free of charge.
