Super Falcons forward Jennifer Echegini made an impressive start with her new team, Paris Saint-Germain Femini, scoring the only goal of the game to secure a 1-0 victory over Manchester City Women in the Perth International Football Cup.
This win gave PSG their first piece of silverware ahead of the 2024/25 season and added a promising highlight to Echegini's burgeoning career.
Echegini, who recently featured for the Nigeria women's national team at the Paris Olympics, show class and composure under pressure in this tightly contested match held at HBF Park in Australia.
Super Falcons forward Jennifer Echegini comes up big for PSG
With the game seemingly headed for a penalty shoot-out after a scoreless 90 minutes, the decisive moment came just before the final whistle.
In the 88th minute, City defender Kerstin Casparij made a late challenge on PSG substitute Tara Elimbi Gilbert in the box, prompting referee Ghirardello to award a penalty to PSG.
Echegini holds nerves to score from the spot
Echegini stepped up confidently and converted from the spot, firing past City goalkeeper Khiara Keating to give the French side the lead.
Despite City’s efforts to equalize through the likes of Chloe Kelly and Mary Fowler, PSG’s defense, bolstered by an excellent performance from goalkeeper Katarzyna Kiedrzynek, held firm.
Their resilience ensured they were crowned the inaugural Perth International Football Cup champions with a 1-0 victory.
PSG Femini now looks forward to their first official match of the season, scheduled for September 18 or 19, in the second preliminary round of the UEFA Women's Champions League, with Echegini expected to play a key role in their campaign in her debut season with the French side.