RABAT, Morocco (BN24) — Nigeria’s Super Falcons staged a breathtaking second-half turnaround to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 in a pulsating final on Saturday night, sealing their record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in dramatic fashion.
In front of a packed 21,000-seat Olympic Stadium in Rabat, the Atlas Lionesses appeared on course for their first-ever continental crown after racing to a 2-0 lead at halftime. But Nigeria, invoking their self-styled “Mission X” mantra, overturned the deficit with a dominant second-half display, capped by a late winner that left the Moroccan crowd silenced.
The triumph not only returned the Super Falcons to the pinnacle of African women’s football for the first time since 2018 but also preserved their perfect record in WAFCON finals—10 wins from 10.
Morocco Dominates Early, Nigeria Struggles to Respond
Morocco drew first blood in the 13th minute when Halimatu Ayinde surrendered possession deep in Nigeria’s half, allowing veteran captain Ghizlane Chebbak to curl a superb left-footed shot just inside the post. The home side doubled their lead 11 minutes later as Sanaa Mssoudy scuffed a low shot across goal that beat goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Nigeria, Africa’s highest-ranked women’s side, appeared rattled and unable to impose their trademark tempo and physicality during a sluggish opening 45 minutes. Head coach Justin Madugu’s tactical setup looked flat against Jorge Vilda’s organized Moroccan press.
Super Falcons Soar After Break
But the complexion of the final shifted decisively in the second half.
Esther Okoronkwo emerged as the heartbeat of Nigeria’s revival. In the 64th minute, she converted from the penalty spot after a VAR review confirmed that Nouhaila Benzina had handled a cross from Folamide Ijamilusi inside the area.
Okoronkwo was involved again seven minutes later, slicing through Morocco’s backline before laying the ball off for Ijamilusi, who made no mistake in slotting home the equalizer. The Super Falcons’ bench erupted, and the momentum had firmly shifted in Nigeria’s favor.
Morocco were handed a lifeline in the 79th minute when Imane Saoud’s cross struck Nigerian defender Blessing Demehin’s arm from close range. Namibian referee Antsino Twanyanyukwa initially awarded a penalty, but after a lengthy VAR review, the decision was overturned.
That reprieve set the stage for Nigeria’s crowning moment. In the 88th minute, Okoronkwo delivered a pinpoint free kick into the area, where substitute Jennifer Echegini darted in front of Benzina to tuck the ball past the Moroccan keeper from close range. The goal sparked scenes of euphoria as the Nigerian players collapsed in celebration at the final whistle.
A Bitter Night for Morocco
The loss marked Morocco’s second consecutive defeat in a WAFCON final, following their 2022 loss to South Africa. The country had invested heavily in both men’s and women’s football, with backing from King Mohammed VI, and brought in 2023 Women’s World Cup-winning coach Jorge Vilda following his controversial departure from Spain.
Despite flashes of promise, Morocco’s route to the final was fraught. They came from behind in three of their five matches and needed penalties to overcome Ghana in the semifinals. While Vilda has introduced tactical improvements, the team ultimately fell short against a battle-tested Nigerian side.
Captain Chebbak, who won the tournament’s Golden Boot with five goals, had hoped to follow in the footsteps of her late father Larbi Chebbak, a 1976 AFCON champion with Morocco. At 35, her chance of matching that family legacy may have passed.
Nigeria Makes History — Again
With Saturday’s win, Nigeria became the first team to lift the redesigned WAFCON trophy and were awarded $1 million in prize money, double the amount offered in the previous edition.
It also marked the third time the Super Falcons have beaten a host nation in the final, following similar triumphs over South Africa in 2000 and Cameroon in 2016.
Despite the magnitude of the occasion, the Olympic Stadium had emptied significantly by the time FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Patrice Motsepe arrived for the trophy presentation.
For Nigeria, the title completes a journey they openly dubbed “Mission X” — a goal to claim their 10th continental crown. With their dominance reaffirmed, attention will now turn to the Paris 2024 Olympics, where the West Africans will look to carry this momentum onto the global stage.
