The Super Falcons of Nigeria staged a thrilling second-half comeback to defeat hosts Morocco 3 to 2 in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Saturday night, clinching their record-extending 10th continental title in dramatic fashion.
In front of a packed crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, the Moroccan team stormed into an early lead, capitalizing on Nigerian errors. The Atlas Lionesses struck first in the 12th minute when team captain Ghizlane Chebbak slotted home following a miscue by Halimatu Ayinde, who failed to clear her lines properly. The home side doubled their lead just twelve minutes later as Sanaâ Mssoudy pounced on a loose ball inside the Nigerian penalty area. Michelle Alozie was caught off-guard and could not react quickly enough, giving Morocco a comfortable 2 to 0 advantage before the half-hour mark.
Despite being on the back foot, the Nigerian team refused to back down. In the second half, Coach Justin Madugu made bold tactical changes that shifted the momentum. His decision to bring on Jennifer Echegini and Rinsola Babajide proved to be pivotal as both substitutes injected pace, urgency, and composure into the attack.
The comeback began in earnest in the 64th minute when Esther Okoronkwo converted a penalty after a Moroccan defender handled the ball in the box. The Super Falcons smelled blood and continued to pile on pressure. Just seven minutes later, Okoronkwo once again dazzled with her brilliance, dancing past multiple defenders before laying off a perfect assist to Folashade Florence Ijamilusi, who calmly placed the ball past the Moroccan goalkeeper to make it 2 to 2.
With the match approaching extra time, Nigeria kept pushing for a winner. The breakthrough came in the 88th minute when Esther Okoronkwo delivered a well-weighted free-kick into the box. Rising above the Moroccan defense, Jennifer Echegini connected with a powerful header that beat the goalkeeper, sending the Nigerian bench and fans into jubilation.
Okoronkwo, who played a role in all three goals, was deservedly named Player of the Match for her outstanding contribution, which included one goal and two assists. Her relentless energy and technical skill were instrumental in dismantling the Moroccan defense in the second half.Statistically, Nigeria edged Morocco in most key areas.
The Super Falcons had 14 total shots, with five on target, compared to Morocco’s 10 shots. Nigeria also enjoyed 55 percent of ball possession, completing 280 passes at a 69 percent accuracy rate. They earned five corners, while the hosts had three.The victory reinforces Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football.
The Super Falcons have now won all 10 finals they have contested in the tournament’s history, extending their remarkable record of never losing a WAFCON final. The 2024 triumph, dubbed Mission X, highlights the resilience, experience, and winning mentality that has defined the Nigerian women’s national team for decades.
This win also marks a personal milestone for head coach Justin Madugu, who guided the team to glory in his first major tournament in charge. His tactical discipline and timely substitutions were widely praised and could set the tone for a new era of dominance for the Super Falcons.
Morocco, though heartbroken, can hold their heads high after another historic WAFCON campaign. Having finished runners-up for the second time in a row, they continue to show steady progress and remain one of the most exciting teams in African women’s football.
For Nigeria, the mission was clear and the execution flawless. With their 10th WAFCON title secured, the Super Falcons once again reign supreme on the African continent.
Beautifully written