AJIBADE SHINES AS PSG CRUSH FRANKFURT TO SECURE WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPOT

Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade played a key role as Paris Saint-Germain booked their place in the league phase of the UEFA Women’s Champions League with a convincing 5-1 extra-time victory over Eintracht Frankfurt.

PSG entered the second leg under pressure after being held to a 1-1 draw in the first meeting in Germany. However, the French side produced a strong response at home, eventually overcoming their German opponents after a dramatic contest that went beyond the regulation 90 minutes.

PSG took control before half-time when Merveille Kanjinga opened the scoring in the 36th minute. Tara Elimbi Gilbert and captain Sakina Karchaoui then struck late in the first half to give the hosts a commanding advantage.

Frankfurt refused to surrender despite falling behind and were able to pull a goal back in the second half. The German side also had to continue with 10 players after Hayley Raso was sent off for receiving a second yellow card.

The visitors' numerical disadvantage did not prevent them from making the tie extremely difficult for PSG. Frankfurt eventually found an equaliser in the 76th minute, forcing the match into extra time with the aggregate score level.

PSG regained the lead shortly after the additional period began, with Kanjinga scoring her second goal of the night in the 95th minute. Karchaoui then added another goal in the 105th minute before converting from the penalty spot nine minutes later to give the French club a 4-1 advantage on the night.

Ajibade completed the emphatic victory in the 120th minute, scoring PSG’s fifth goal and putting the result beyond doubt. Her late strike capped an impressive individual contribution as the Nigerian forward helped her club complete a 6-2 aggregate victory over Frankfurt.

The qualification is particularly significant for PSG, as the club will now join the other successful qualifiers in the 18-team league phase of the 2026/27 UEFA Women’s Champions League. UEFA confirmed that the third qualifying round concluded on September 2, completing the league-phase line-up.

Ajibade’s performance also provides a positive start to her new chapter in France. The Nigerian forward joined Paris Saint-Germain from Atlético Madrid on a contract running until June 2027, becoming part of a squad aiming to compete for major honours domestically and in Europe.

For Ajibade and fellow Super Falcons midfielder Jennifer Echegini, the victory represents an important return to positive club form. Echegini also contributed to PSG’s successful night, setting up Kanjinga’s extra-time goal after coming on during the match.

With PSG now through to the league phase, Ajibade will have another opportunity to test herself against some of Europe’s strongest women’s clubs. The league-phase draw is scheduled for September 4, with the competition proper beginning later this month.