WAFCON 2024: WHO WINS? Nigeria stuns hosts Morocco to win 10th title.
The Super Falcons came from two goals down to beat Morocco 3-2 and win their record-extending 10th WAFCON title in Rabat.
Nigeria delivered a champion’s performance, coming from two goals down to defeat Morocco 3-2 in Rabat and win their record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title on Saturday (26 June).
In front of a partisan crowd at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium, hosts Morocco raced to a two-goal lead in the first half, with Sanaa Msoudy increasing the advantage 10 minutes after inspiring skipper Ghizlaine Chebbak started the scoring.
But Nigeria stormed back in the second half. Esther Okoronkwo equalized from the penalty spot after a Moroccan handball, then set up Folashade Ijamilusi with a superbly weighted pass to make it 2-2.
Two minutes from time, substitute Jennifer Echegini sealed the comeback by firing in a half-volley following Okoronkwo’s brilliant free-kick, silencing the home crowd and breaking Moroccan hearts.
While Nigeria celebrates its well-deserved victory, Morocco is left reeling. This is the second consecutive WAFCON final that they have lost at home.
Ghana won the bronze medal on Friday, defeating defending champions South Africa 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation.
Morocco’s dream start
The Lionesses roared into the lead with just 12 minutes played when captain Ghizlane Chebbak broke the deadlock with a well-taken strike from outside the box, curling the ball low beyond Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
The stadium erupted in celebration as she sprinted to the stands to celebrate with her family.
Their lead was doubled in the 24th minute. Ibtissam Jraidi picked out Sanaâ Mssoudy in space, and the forward kept her composure to slot the ball into the bottom right corner.
Morocco couldn’t have asked for a better start and went into the break with a comfortable two-goal cushion in front of a home crowd buzzing with belief. For many, this felt like the moment, a chance to claim a first-ever WAFCON title and make history on home soil. What could possibly go wrong?
Nigeria’s spectacular rally
Nigeria went into the break looking nervous, behind by two goals and failing to find answers. However, a calm and focused team talk from coach Justin Madugu appeared to reset the Super Falcons, who emerged in the second half with renewed vigour.
The shift in momentum occurred shortly after the hour mark. A VAR review identified a handball by Nouhaila Benzina, and the referee gave a penalty. Esther Okoronkwo stepped up and converted neatly, pulling one back.
Nigeria gradually became more involved in the game after that. In the 71st minute, Okoronkwo switched roles, slipping a well-timed pass through to Folashade Ijamilusi, who converted beautifully with her left foot into the bottom corner to tie the game.
With extra time looming, Nigeria found the winner. A set-piece routine saw Okoronkwo swing in a free-kick that fell kindly to substitute Jennifer Echegini, who guided the ball in on the half-volley with just two minutes of normal time remaining.
Morocco pushed for an equaliser in the final stages, forcing a few nervy moments, but Nigeria held their shape and saw out the result.
It was a painful defeat for Jorge Vilda’s Morocco side, who had impressed throughout the competition and were hoping to make history in front of their home crowd.
But Nigeria’s experience told. Their 3-2 win gave them a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title and a reminder that, despite growing competition, they remain the most consistent force in African women’s football.
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