Nigeria’s Super Falcons stars Rasheedat Ajibade and Jennifer Echegini both started for Paris Saint-Germain Féminine as the French giants fought back to secure a 1-1 draw against Real Madrid in their opening UEFA Women’s Champions League league-phase fixture.

The Nigerian duo featured prominently at the Alfredo Di Stéfano Stadium in Madrid on Tuesday as PSG recovered from an early setback to take a point from their first European outing of the 2026/27 campaign. 

Real Madrid needed only two minutes to break the deadlock. Arianna Caruso won possession on the right before delivering a cross into the area, with Felicia Schröder finishing to put the Spanish side ahead. 

PSG responded quickly, with Echegini and Ajibade both involved in their attempts to restore parity.

Echegini came close in the 16th minute when her effort from the edge of the box was blocked. She recovered possession and picked out Ajibade, whose half-volley went over the crossbar.

Ajibade remained a threat from distance and tested Real Madrid goalkeeper Merle Frohms with a long-range attempt in the first half, while Echegini also created opportunities as PSG gradually increased the pressure. 

The visitors continued their search for an equaliser after the interval, with Ajibade going close again shortly after the restart.

Real Madrid, however, also had opportunities to extend their advantage, with Schröder and Linda Caicedo among those who threatened the PSG defence.

The breakthrough for PSG eventually arrived in the 74th minute after substitute Morissaint went down inside the Real Madrid penalty area following a challenge from Lakrar.

Referee Emanuela Rusta pointed to the spot, and France international Sakina Karchaoui confidently converted the penalty to bring PSG level. 

Real Madrid pushed for a late winner, with Schröder remaining a constant threat, but PSG held firm to secure a valuable point away from home.

Ajibade completed the entire match, while Echegini was substituted in the 83rd minute, with both Nigerians making significant contributions to PSG’s attacking efforts. 

The result gives PSG one point from their opening league-phase fixture, while Real Madrid also begin their campaign with a point following their first appearance in the competition’s league phase. 

For Ajibade and Echegini, the match represents another important European assignment after both Nigerians helped PSG negotiate the qualifying rounds and secure their place in the main phase of the competition.

PSG had booked their league-phase place with a 5-1 extra-time victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the qualifying round, with Ajibade among the scorers in that decisive encounter. 

The Parisian side will return to Women’s Champions League action on October 1 when they host Belgian club OH Leuven, giving Ajibade and Echegini another opportunity to feature on Europe’s biggest stage.