Nigerian duo Osinachi Ohale and Chinwendu Ihezuo celebrated a landmark achievement on Monday night as Pachuca won its first-ever Liga MX Femenil Apertura championship, edging out Club América 3-2 on aggregate.

Despite a 2-0 defeat in the second leg at the Estadio Azteca, Pachuca’s dominant 3-0 victory in the first leg was enough to secure the title. Goals from Spain international Irene Guerrero and Scarlett Camberos for América gave the home fans hope, but the deficit proved too steep to overturn.

Pachuca, previously runners-up in the Apertura 2017 and Clausura 2022 and 2023 tournaments, finally claimed the elusive crown in their fourth finals appearance. Goalkeeper Esthefanny Barreras, who delivered a string of crucial saves on the night, was deservedly named Player of the Match.

“It was fundamental to have won at home,” Barreras said after the game. “We didn’t come here to defend the lead, but América played great and pushed us. It’s a beautiful, historic moment to win our first title.”

Since the inception of Mexico’s professional women’s league in 2017, Liga MX Femenil has seen steady growth in both quality and fan support. América, aiming for a third championship, has now lost four of the last six finals series.

The triumph marks a proud chapter for Pachuca and for Nigeria’s Ohale and Ihezuo, further highlighting the growing influence of African talent in women’s football across the globe.