Nigeria produced a sensational second-half comeback to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 in a dramatic final on Saturday, securing a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title.
In front of a stunned, partisan crowd at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, the Super Falcons overturned a two-goal halftime deficit, with substitute Jennifer Echegini scoring an 88th-minute winner to seal a memorable victory.
The host nation, the Atlas Lionesses, appeared destined to win their first-ever continental crown after a dominant first-half performance. Captain Ghizlane Chebbak opened the scoring with a fine curling effort in the 13th minute, before Sanaa Mssoudy doubled their lead in the 24th minute with a composed finish.
However, the nine-time champions emerged from the break transformed. The comeback was sparked by Esther Okoronkwo, who converted a penalty in the 64th minute after a VAR review confirmed a handball by Nouhaila Benzina. Seven minutes later, Okoronkwo turned provider, setting up Folamide Ijamilusi for the equaliser.
With the momentum shifted, Nigeria pushed for a winner. A pivotal moment came in the 79th minute when Morocco were awarded a penalty, only for it to be overturned after another lengthy VAR check. The Super Falcons then capitalized on their reprieve, with Echegini sweeping home a free-kick delivery from the outstanding Okoronkwo with just two minutes of normal time remaining.
The victory completes “Mission X” for Nigeria, who reclaim the title they last won in 2018 and maintain their perfect 100% record in WAFCON finals. The win also secured them $1 million in prize money.
For Morocco, it is a second consecutive final defeat on home soil, a bitter disappointment for a nation that has invested heavily in its women’s football program under the guidance of 2023 World Cup-winning coach Jorge Vilda. As a consolation, Morocco’s captain, Ghizlane Chebbak, won the tournament’s Golden Boot award with five goals.
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