The Super Falcons of Nigeria staged a remarkable comeback to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 in a thrilling Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final on Saturday, July 26, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
With the victory, Nigeria secured a record-extending 10th African Women’s title, reaffirming their dominance on the continent.
Justin Madugu’s side entered the encounter with a score to settle, having been knocked out by the North Africans in the semi-final of the 2024 edition. However, their quest for revenge seemed in jeopardy when Morocco surged to an early 2-0 lead.
Morocco’s captain and tournament top scorer, Ghizlane Chebbak, opened the scoring in the 13th minute, capitalizing on a loose ball in the box to fire past Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. The hosts doubled their lead in the 28th minute through Sanaa Mssoudy, whose low-driven effort from the edge of the area found the bottom corner.
Trailing 2-0 at halftime, the Super Falcons returned with renewed determination, intensifying their pressing and attacking play. Their persistence paid off in the 63rd minute when Ifeoma Ijamilusi’s hooked cross struck the hand of Morocco’s Nesryne El Chad Benzina, resulting in a penalty. Jennifer Okoronkwo stepped up and calmly slotted home to reduce the deficit.
The equalizer came just eight minutes later. Okoronkwo, instrumental once again, drove into the Moroccan box and squared the ball for Ijamilusi, who made no mistake from close range to make it 2-2.
Nigeria completed the stunning turnaround in the 88th minute. A deep free kick into the Moroccan area was met by the outstretched foot of Toni Payne’s replacement, Uchenna Kanu Echegini, who poked the ball into the net to send the Nigerian supporters into wild celebrations.
Despite Morocco’s late attempts to force extra time, the Falcons held firm to secure a historic victory and lift the WAFCON trophy for a record 10th time.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, among other dignitaries, lauded the Super Falcons for their resilient performance, noting they had “understood the assignment” and made the nation proud.
