The Super Falcons of Nigeria pulled off a thrilling comeback on Saturday night to beat Morocco 3–2 and win a record 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title.
The final, played at the packed Stade Olympique in Rabat, saw Morocco take control early.
Captain Ghizlane Chebbak fired the hosts in front with a stunning shot from distance in the 12th minute.
Twelve minutes later, Sanaâ Mssoudy made it 2–0 after a smooth pass from Ibtissam Jraidi. The home crowd erupted. Nigeria were in trouble.
But the Super Falcons refused to give up.
Esther Okoronkwo started the comeback in the 63rd minute. A VAR review spotted a handball by Nouhaila Benzina, and Okoronkwo calmly converted the penalty to cut the deficit.
Eight minutes later, she set up Folashade Ijamulusi, who buried her shot into the bottom corner to make it 2–2.
With the game heading to extra time, Nigeria struck again.
In the 88th minute, a clever free-kick routine saw Okoronkwo provide her second assist of the night. Joe Echegini took her time and slotted the ball home.
It was a dramatic end to a pulsating contest. Morocco pushed forward in the closing moments, but Nigeria held on.
This win marks the Super Falcons’ 10th triumph in 13 editions of the tournament.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and captain Rasheedat Ajibade were named Goalkeeper and Player of the Tournament respectively.
Nigeria had reached the final after defeating the defending champions, South Africa, 2–1 in the semi-final.
