Nigeria international, Chinwendu Ihezuo scored twice while Ayooluwa Oke grabbed her first-ever league goal as reigning Mexican champions Pachuca Femenil came from behind to seal a 3-2 win over FC Juarez on Saturday as the defending champions climb within a point of Liga MX Femenil leaders
The match kicked off at a frenetic pace, with Dayana Martin firing the hosts ahead in the 9th minute. However, Pachuca responded swiftly.
Just five minutes later, 19-year-old Oke, an American youth international of Nigerian descent, netted her maiden Liga MX Femenil goal, calmly finishing to bring the scores level at 1-1.
Chiwendu Ihezuo Leads the Comeback
Juarez restored their advantage in the 26th minute through Liliana Mercado, but Pachuca’s Nigerian forward, Ihezuo quickly turned the tide.
The Super Falcons striker equalized with a clinical finish before striking again on the stroke of halftime, sealing the comeback with her second of the evening to make it 3-2.
Ihezuo’s brace takes her season tally to four goals in the league, as she continues to establish herself as one of Pachuca’s most reliable attacking outlets.
Nigerian Duo Influence at Pachuca
Ihezuo played the full 90 minutes, earning a yellow card in the 74th minute but holding firm in attack to secure the three points.
Her international teammate and 2024 WAFCON champion Osinachi Ohale also featured from the start in defense, though she was replaced at halftime by Andrea Pereira.
Meanwhile, Oke, who recently joined Pachuca from UCLA and is eligible to represent Nigeria at senior level, impressed in attack before being substituted in the 82nd minute for club legend Veronica Corral after opening her account in Mexican football.
Table Standings and Next Fixture
The victory keeps Pachuca second in the Liga MX Femenil table with 23 points, just one behind leaders Club América.
The champions will return to action on September 15, 2025, when they host Necaxa, looking to maintain pressure at the top of the standings.
Head-to-Head Insights
The clash was the 15th meeting between Juarez and Pachuca since 2019. Pachuca have historically dominated the fixture, winning 7 of the 14 previous encounters, with Juarez claiming 2 wins and 5 ending in draws.
In their last five matches, Pachuca have been prolific, averaging 3.4 goals per game, while Juarez managed a more conservative 1.4 goals per game in the same period.
FULTIME: Juarez 2–3 Pachuca
Juarez scorers: Dayana Martin (9’), Liliana Mercado (26’)
Pachuca scorers: Ayooluwa Oke (14’), Chinwendu Ihezuo (31’, 45’)
Nigerians who featured:
Chiwendu Ihezuo (90 mins, 2 goals, yellow card 74’)
Ayooluwa Oke (82 mins, first league goal)
Osinachi Ohale (45 mins, subbed off at halftime)
