Nigeria’s epic 3-2 comeback victory against Morocco secured them a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON 2024 title.
In the start of the match, the hosts lead with a two-goal in the first half, but the Super Falcons came with an epic comeback after the break with goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade ljamilusi, and Jennifer Echegini to seal a dramatic victory.
Super Falcons, led by Justine Madugu (head coach) began the game brightly, but despite their early attacking intent, they were unable to take the lead as Morocco’s backline held firm and denied them any real breakthroughs.
However, it was the Atlas Lionesses who
struck first in the 12th minute, as Ghizlane Chebbak pounced on a loose ball cleared by Nigerian Halimatu Ayinde and curled a stunning long-range effort past goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Roared on by a deafening home crowd at
Rabat’s Olympic Stadium, Morocco doubled their lead in the 24th minute through Sanaa Mssoudy, exploiting a moment of chaotic defending from the Super Falcons.
In the second-half, Nigeria delivered a
commendable performance to complete their comeback. They pulled one back just four minutes past the hour mark from the penalty spot, after VAR ruled that Nouhaila Benzina had handled the ball in the box.
The comeback was completed seven minutes later when Ijamilusi slotted the ball into an empty net after being set up brilliantly by Okoronkwo.
The Super Falcons took control, dominating all aspects of the game until Jorge Vilda’s team earned a lifeline in the 78th minute when referee Antsino Twanyanyukwa awarded a penalty against Oluwatosin Demehin after Imane Saoud’s cross made contact with her
hand.
Sadly, VAR review overturned the decision, ruling that the defender’s hand was in its natural position.
With just two minutes remaining, Echegini fired in the winner from a perfectly delivered free-kick by Okoronkwo, sealing Nigeria’s ‘Mission X’ and leaving the home team in despair.
During the award ceremony, South Africa received the Fair Play Award, while Chebbak claimed the top scorer prize with five goals. Nigeria’s goalkeeper Nnadozie was honoured as the Best Goalkeeper, and captain Rasheedat Ajibade was named Player of the Tournament.
