London City Lionesses made history on a dramatic night at Goodison Park, defeating Everton 2-1 to claim their first-ever Women’s Super League (WSL) victory. The match featured two Nigerian stars, Rofiat Imuran and Toni Payne, bringing added excitement for fans back home as the Lionesses announced their arrival on England’s biggest stage.
How the Match Unfolded
The visitors struck early through Isobel Goodwin, who capitalized on a defensive lapse to put the Lionesses ahead in the 13th minute.Everton pushed forward in response but found the Lionesses’ backline; led by Rofiat Imuran’s tireless defending on the left flank difficult to break down.
Goodwin doubled the lead in the 58th minute with a calm, clinical finish after a quick counterattack. Everton finally found a lifeline when Yuka Momiki converted a penalty in the 71st minute, sparking a tense final 20 minutes.
Despite relentless pressure from the home side, the Lionesses held firm, with Imuran making crucial interventions and Payne helping to link play in midfield to relieve pressure.
Nigerian Presence Shines
For Nigerian fans, this clash was especially noteworthy. Rofiat Imuran, who joined London City Lionesses in October 2024 on a three-year deal from French side Stade de Reims, was solid throughout the match. Her speed, defensive awareness, and attacking runs down the left side gave the Lionesses both defensive stability and offensive width.
Toni Payne, another Super Falcons regular, also featured, adding experience and composure in midfield during key phases of the game. Their performances showed Nigeria’s growing influence on European women’s football, with both players proving they belong at the very top level.
The Decisive Moment
The turning point came in the 58th minute when Goodwin’s second goal doubled the visitors’ lead. Everton were left chasing the game, and although they pulled one back through Momiki’s penalty, London City’s defensive resilience anchored by Imuran’s crucial tackles and clearances ensured the historic win.
What This Means for Everton & Lionesses
For London City Lionesses, this is a landmark victory. It not only marks their first WSL win but also sends a clear message that they belong in the league and won’t be easy relegation candidates.
For Everton, the loss is a wake-up call. Dominating possession and creating chances are not enough if they lack sharpness in both boxes. They will need to regroup quickly to avoid slipping further down the table.
What’s next for Both teams?
Both sides will be in League Cup action in midweek as the group stage gets underway on Wednesday. Everton travel to Manchester City (19:00 BST) with London City Lionesses facing a trip to WSL2 side Crystal Palace (19:30 BST).
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