The Super Falcons of Nigeria roared back from two goals down to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 and claim their record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title.
Played at the Stade Olympique, the match witnessed a masterclass in resilience as Nigeria overcame pressure, hostile fans, and early blunders to win the encounter.
Although Morocco started brightly, pushing the Falcons onto the back foot, their efforts paid off in the 13th minute when Ghizlane Chebbak capitalised on a misplaced pass and buried a shot from distance.
Just 11 minutes later, the hosts struck again as Saana Mssoudy burst past Michelle Alozie and smashed home a second. With that, Nigeria were staring at a familiar nightmare.
Despite a failed chance late in the first half, Nigeria returned from the break recharged. They looked sharper, stronger, and far more aggressive in attack.
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Okoronkwo inspires turnaround as Nigeria seize control
Esther Okoronkwo became the spark Nigeria desperately needed. In the 64th minute, she calmly converted a penalty, halving the deficit and swinging momentum back Nigeria’s way. Minutes later, she bulldozed her way through defenders to find Folasade Ijamilusi, who made no mistake in levelling the score.
While Morocco sought a late penalty after Tosin Demehin’s handball, VAR intervention spared Nigeria. This moment only added more fire to the Falcons’ wings. Eventually, in the 88th minute, substitute Jennifer Echegini smashed in a dramatic winner off another Okoronkwo free-kick, sealing one of the most thrilling comebacks in WAFCON history.
The victory also brought individual honours: captain Rasheedat Ajibade claimed Player of the Tournament, while goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie continued her dominance as Africa’s top shot-stopper.
Revenge, resilience, and redemption in Rabat
This triumph was not just another trophy; it was a mission accomplished. In doing so, Nigeria defeated all three teams that hurt them in the 2022 tournament — hammering Zambia in the quarter-finals, edging South Africa in the semis, and finally silencing Morocco on home soil.
With $1 million in prize money and their unbeaten WAFCON final record still intact, the Falcons have once again proven they are not just queens of African football — they are legends.
Tags: #WAFCON2024, #WAFCON, #MissionX, #SoarSuperFalcons, Rasheedat Ajibade, Esther Okoronkwo, Jennifer Echegini, Folasade Ijamilusi, Ghizlane Chebbak, Saana Mssoudy, Morocco, Stade Olympique, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Super Falcons, #MissionX, #MARNGA.
