Our reporter/ The Super Falcons on Saturday night at the Rabat’s Olympic stadium came from behind to defeated hosts Morocco 3-2 to clinch their record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title.
The Super Falcons produced a sensational second-half comeback in a dramatic finals that lived up to its billing.
The Atlas Lionesses led 2-0 at the break in Rabat through Ghizlane Chebbak’s fine curling effort and a scuffed shot from Sanaa Mssoudy.
But Esther Okoronkwo inspired the West Africans after the break, pulling a goal back from the penalty spot in the 64th minute after Nouhaila Benzina handled Folamide Ijamilusi’s cross.
Okoronko burst into the Morocco box and squared for Ijamilusi to equalise midway through the half, then teed up substitute Jennifer Echegini to score an 88th-minute winner.
The 21,000-capacity Olympic Stadium was stunned into silence as the Super Falcons players collapsed to the turf in celebrations at the final whistle after producing a seemingly unlikely revival that will live long in the memory.
…Esther Okoronkwo in action on Saturday
Nigeria billed their campaign as Mission X and have achieved their target, reclaiming the title they last won in 2018 and preserving their 100% record in Wafcon finals.
Morocco, meanwhile, had hired 2023 Women’s World Cup-winning coach Jorge Vilda after he parted company with Spain in a bid to land their first continental crown, but have now lost back-to-back Wafcon finals.
The Super Falcons pick up $1m in prize money – which has been doubled since the last edition – and become the first side to lift the new-look Wafcon trophy.
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