Nigeria complete epic comeback to stun hosts Morocco and capture 10th WAFCON title

Down 0-2 at halftime, the Nigeria women’s national team surged back with three unanswered goals to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 and emerge as champions at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Saturday evening at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat. Jennifer Echegini’s 88th minute strike completed a dramatic comeback for the Super Falcons who added to their record number of African women’s titles.

The first half was characterized by an opportunistic Moroccan side that was fueled by vocal home support. After what appeared to be a decent start from the Nigerian team, the hosts snatched the lead in the 12th minute when the Super Falcons defense failed to clear their lines and the ball came out to Ghizlane Chebbak, who fired an excellent strike from twenty yards beyond the reach of goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.

The Nigerian attack continued to be frustrated by a well organized Moroccan defense and the Atlas Lionesses were rewarded in the 24th minute. An early cross from the right wing made its way through to Sanaâ Mssoudy, who rolled an accurate finish beyond Nnadozie to double the advantage.

But down 0-2 at halftime, the Super Falcons came out re-energized and after putting Morocco on the back foot the comeback was started in the 65th minute.

A cross attempt from Folashade Ijamilusi came off the hand of Morocco defender Nouhaila Benzina and a penalty kick was awarded for Esther Okoronkwo to place past Atlas Lionesses goalkeeper Khadija Errmichi.

Only seven minutes later the turnaround was complete. A chaotic exchange on the edge of the Moroccan penalty area saw Okoronkwo collect the loose ball on the right wing and she calmly crossed low to find Ijmalusi, who was left with a simple finish from close range to roll the ball by a helpless Errmichi.

The drama was far from over. Around the 80th minute, a cross by Morocco from the left wing was flicked on by substitute Imane Saoud and the ball went off the arm of a Nigerian defender for an apparent penalty kick. However, after a lengthy VAR review, referee Antsino Twanyanyukwa was called over and the penalty kick was overturned.

Spurred on by their good fortune, the Super Falcons pushed and in the 88th minute the decisive moment arrived. A free kick on the right wing was sent into the Moroccan box by Okoronkwo and among a group of Nigerian attackers crashing into the area, it was substitute Jennifer Echegini who swept in to finish past Errmichi and Moroccan hearts were broken.

With their spirits crushed, Morocco could not launch a successful comeback attempt of their own with little time remaining and Nigeria added to their record with a tenth African women’s crown. Nigeria are now 10-for-10 in WAFCON finals, completing their mission of achieving double digit titles.