Super Falcons Clinch 10th WAFCON Title With Dramatic 3-2 Victory Over Morocco.
The Super Falcons of Nigeria secured their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in a heart-stopping 3-2 win against hosts Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Olympic Annex Stadium in Rabat. A stunning 88th-minute goal by Jennifer Echegini sealed a remarkable comeback, cementing Nigeria’s legacy as Africa’s dominant force in women’s football.
A Final of Twists and Tenacity
Morocco, fueled by a passionate home crowd, surged to a 2-0 lead in the first half. Captain Ghizlane Chebbak, the tournament’s top scorer with four goals, struck a sublime kick in the 12th minute, followed by Sanna Mssoudy’s goal assisted by Ibtissam Jraïdi’s in the 24th minute. The Atlas Lionesses appeared poised to claim their first WAFCON title, leaving Nigeria with a mountain to climb.
The Super Falcons, however, showcased their championship mettle after halftime. Esther Okoronkwo ignited the comeback in the 64th minute, scoring from the spot to make it 2-1. Gift Ijamilusi leveled the score in the 71st minute, setting the stage for a tense finale. In the 88th minute, Nigeria won a crucial free kick just outside the box. Jennifer Echegini was on ground to slot home the ball past Morocco’s goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi, to secure a 3-2 lead that Nigeria held until the final whistle, sparking wild celebrations.
Nigeria’s Path to Glory
The Super Falcons’ journey to the 2024 WAFCON title was a masterclass in resilience. They topped Group B with a 3-0 win over Tunisia, a 1-0 victory against Botswana, and a 0-0 draw with Algeria, conceding just one goal (a penalty) throughout the tournament. A 5-0 quarterfinal thrashing of Zambia showcased their attacking depth, while a 2-1 semifinal win over defending champions South Africa, sealed by a late goal, propelled them to the final.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who earned three Woman of the Match awards, led with poise, while goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, Africa’s reigning Goalkeeper of the Year, ensured no goals were conceded from open play. Okoronkwo, Ijamilusi, and Echegini’s contributions in the final highlighted Nigeria’s blend of experience and emerging talent.
Morocco’s Gallant Effort
Morocco, in their second consecutive WAFCON final, matched Nigeria’s attacking output with 11 tournament goals. Chebbak and Jraïdi posed constant threats, and their semifinal penalty shootout victory over Ghana underscored their resilience. Despite the heartbreak, Morocco’s performance under coach Jorge Vilda signals their rise as a powerhouse.
A Legacy Forged in Drama
“This is what the Super Falcons are about—fighting until the end,” said captain Ajibade post-match. Coach Justine Madugu praised his team’s incredible heart.” The victory earned Nigeria the $1 million prize and a new trophy, marking their 10th title in 13 WAFCON editions.
As the Super Falcons celebrated with their signature dance, they reaffirmed their supremacy in African women’s football. With the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup looming, Nigeria aims to carry this momentum globally, while Morocco looks to build on their promising campaign. For now, the Super Falcons reign supreme, their 88th-minute heroics a testament to their enduring greatness.