Nigerian players abroad, led by Toni Payne, Joy Omewa, Jennifer Echegini and Flourish Sabastine, all scored for their respective clubs to headline the list of Nigerians who made their mark this weekend, www.aclsports.com reports.
Super Falcons forward Toni Payne scored and provided an assist in Everton’s 3–1 win over Newcastle in their final group game of the English Women’s League Cup. She set up Katja Snoeijs for Everton’s second goal in the 72nd minute before adding the third herself two minutes later.
Also in England, Rofiat Imuran started in defence for London City Lionesses in their 2–0 away win over Ipswich Town and made way for Sienna Loom in the 89th minute.
Striker Joy Omewa continued her brilliant form for Fortuna Hjørring, scoring the winner in their 2–1 comeback victory over league leaders HB Køge in the Danish Women’s League. The 22-year-old came off the bench at half-time and struck in the 65th minute, her 13th league goal of the season and 19th in all competitions. Lacho Marta put Køge ahead in the 47th minute, but Ashley Riefner levelled in the 58th before Omewa completed the turnaround.
In France, midfielder Jennifer Echegini scored in the fifth minute of stoppage time as PSG Féminine defeated Saint-Étienne 4–1 in the Division 1 Féminine. Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade missed the match due to the injury she picked up in PSG’s Champions League tie against Bayern Munich.
Flourish Sabastine was also on target for Fenerbahçe in their 5–0 win over Cekmeköy in the Turkish Women’s Süper Lig. Sabastine scored the fourth goal of the match after Andrea Stašková’s hat-trick. The victory takes the Istanbul side to the top of the table, still unbeaten in the league this season.
AS Roma continued their strong run in the Serie A Femminile, with Shukurat Oladipo making her fourth consecutive start as they edged Como 1–0. Rinsola Babajide also returned to league action with a late cameo, her first minutes since coming back from injury.
Over in the United States, Washington Spirit were beaten 1–0 by Gotham FC in the NWSL Championship final. Gift Monday led the line from the start, while Deborah Abiodun came on in the 81st minute, shortly after Rose Lavelle netted the decisive goal.
Meanwhile in Spain, Levante fell 4–0 at home to Barcelona. Kalu Chinyere, Paulina Ali and Ziporrah Agama were unused substitutes as goals from Ewa Pajor, Kika Nazareth, Claudia Pina and Alexia Putellas secured the victory for Barcelona Femení.
With the women’s international break underway, the Super Falcons will not be in action after the NFF was unable to secure a friendly, following the late withdrawal of their opponents.
