Nigeria’s Super Falcons delivered a breathtaking performance on Saturday evening to secure their tenth Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) crown.
The team mounted a spirited comeback to beat hosts Morocco 3–2 in a dramatic final at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.
Trailing 2–0 at half-time, Nigeria appeared on the brink of defeat after Morocco’s captain Ghizlane Chebbak opened the scoring with a powerful long-range effort in the 12th minute.
The hosts doubled their lead eleven minutes later when midfielder Sana Mssoudy fired in a composed finish, capitalising on Nigeria’s defensive disarray.
For much of the first half, Morocco dictated play, with Nigeria’s attacking duo of Esther Okoronkwo and Chinwendu Ihezuo struggling to find rhythm or break down the Moroccan defense.
However, Nigeria’s comeback began with a penalty, calmly converted by Okoronkwo early in the second half.
The spot-kick was awarded after Moroccan defender Nouhaila Benzina was judged to have handled a cross in the box.
Okoronkwo struck confidently, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and halving the deficit.
The equalizer followed shortly after, the result of a well-worked team move.
Okoronkwo drove into the area with clever footwork before threading a precise pass through the defense to Folashade Ijamilusi, who finished smartly from close range to draw Nigeria level.
The Super Falcons completed their turnaround late in the game with a decisive goal.
Okoronkwo delivered a dangerous cross from the left flank, which substitute Jennifer Echegini met with a firm finish into the bottom corner.
Although the contact wasn’t perfect, it was enough to beat Moroccan goalkeeper Khadija Errmichi and seal a memorable victory for the West Africans.
The result sees Nigeria extend their record as the most decorated women’s football team in Africa, lifting their first WAFCON title since 2018 and reaffirming their continental dominance in style.
