Nigeria’s Halimatu Ayinde becomes part of history as BK Häcken win the inaugural UEFA Women’s Europa Cup after a dramatic 4–2 aggregate victory over Hammarby IF in an all-Swedish final.
BK Häcken have made history by winning the first-ever UEFA Women’s Europa Cup, defeating Hammarby IF 4–2 on aggregate in a thrilling all-Swedish final. The second leg ended 3–2 in favour of Häcken at the Hisingen Arena on Friday, sealing a landmark European triumph.
Ayinde Becomes Part of European Football History
Super Falcons midfielder Halimatu Ayinde played a role in BK Häcken’s historic European campaign, joining the club in January and contributing throughout the competition. Although she was not part of the matchday squad for the final, she becomes part of a winning squad that lifted the inaugural UEFA Women’s Europa Cup.
With this achievement, Ayinde becomes only the second Nigerian player to win a UEFA women’s club competition, following in the footsteps of Asisat Oshoala, who has won the UEFA Women’s Champions League three times with FC Barcelona.
She also shares this milestone with Malawian midfielder Faith Chinzimu, as both become part of the first-ever squad to win the newly created European competition.
Schröder Shines in Dramatic Final
The final was decided by teenage star Felicia Schröder, who delivered a stunning performance for BK Häcken.
She opened the scoring in the 6th minute with a calm finish, before doubling the lead just three minutes later after a pass from captain Anna Anvegård. Those early goals gave Häcken a strong grip on the tie, extending their aggregate lead to 3–0.
Hammarby responded strongly, with Svea Rehnberg scoring in the 26th minute and Elin Sørum adding another goal early in the second half to make it 3–2 on aggregate.
However, Schröder completed her hat-trick in the 54th minute with a composed finish after a well-built attacking move, restoring control for Häcken.
Despite late pressure from Hammarby, Häcken held firm to secure a 3–2 win on the night and a 4–2 aggregate victory.
Record-Breaking Performance
Schröder’s performance placed her in the history books. She became only the second player to score a hat-trick in the UEFA Women’s Europa Cup (excluding qualifiers), and just the third player ever to score a hat-trick in a UEFA women’s final, alongside Inka Grings and Ada Hegerberg.
She was also named Player of the Match across both legs and finished as the competition’s top scorer with eight goals.
Elena Sadiku’s Coaching Success
Häcken’s triumph also highlights the progress of head coach Elena Sadiku, who continues her rapid rise in European football management.
The 32-year-old previously led Celtic FC Women to the Scottish Women’s Premier League title and guided them into their first UEFA Women’s Champions League appearance, becoming the youngest coach in that competition at just 30 years old.
A New Era for Women’s European Football
The UEFA Women’s Europa Cup was introduced this season to expand opportunities in European women’s football. The competition featured 43 clubs from 28 countries, creating a wider pathway for teams across the continent.
The final was played over two legs. Hammarby hosted the first leg on April 25, 2026, while Häcken hosted the second leg on May 1, 2026. The winner was decided on aggregate score.
This new structure is part of UEFA’s wider expansion, increasing the number of teams competing in European women’s competitions each season.
What This Means for Häcken and Ayinde
With this victory, BK Häcken have secured qualification for the third qualifying round of the 2026–27 UEFA Women’s Champions League, giving them another chance to compete at Europe’s highest level.
For Halimatu Ayinde, this achievement adds to an already impressive career that includes three Women’s Africa Cup of Nations titles (2014, 2016, 2024), FIFA Women’s World Cup appearances in 2015 and 2023, and a runner-up finish at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
From Asisat Oshoala’s success with Barcelona to Ayinde’s involvement in a historic European triumph, Nigerian women’s football continues to make a strong impact on the global stage.
Conclusion
BK Häcken’s victory in the inaugural UEFA Women’s Europa Cup marks a major moment in European women’s football. For Halimatu Ayinde, it is another proud chapter in a career filled with international success, as Nigerian players continue to shine on the biggest stages.
Halimatu Ayinde, BK Häcken, UEFA Women’s Europa Cup, Hammarby IF, Women’s football news, Nigerian footballers in Europe, UEFA women’s competition, Felicia Schröder hat-trick
