*President Tinubu congratulates African champions
In a dramatic final at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium, Super Falcons defeated hosts Morocco to clinch their record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title.
Jennifer Echegini was the hero as the Super Falcons came from two goals down to win the tournament following a dramatic 3-2 victory over Morocco on Saturday night.
Echegini scored the all-important winning goal in the 88th minute to complete a second-half turnaround for Justine Madugu’s girls, who had trailed by two goals at halftime.
Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy had given Morocco a two-goal lead at the break. However, goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Florence Ijamilusi, and Echegini completed a well-deserved turnaround and victory for the Super Falcons.
The Super Falcons made just one change from the team that defeated South Africa in the semi-final, with Deborah Abiodun in midfield.
With Patrice Motsepe and Gianni Infantino, CAF and FIFA presidents respectively, in attendance, both sides provided an energetic start, and it was Morocco that made their chance count, when Chebbak controlled a loose ball before planting a shot into the top corner beyond Chiamaka Nnadozie in goal for 1-0 to Morocco in 13th minute.
While the Falcons huffed and puffed, the Atlas Lionesses doubled their lead in 24 minutes as the defence was caught flat-footed. A cross from the right fell kindly for Mssoudy, who found a yard of space beyond Gloria Alozie before planting a drilled finish into the bottom far corner to send the fans into delirium as Morocco went into the break two goals up.
The Falcons improved in the second period, putting their host on the back foot, and further increasing the tempo with the introduction of Rinsola Babajide and Echegini on the hour mark. Their efforts would lead to a penalty kick awarded following a lengthy VAR review for handball from Ijamilusi’s cross. Okoronkwo stepped up and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way for 2-1 on 64 minutes.
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Okoronkwo and Ijamilusi were involved as Nigeria drew level six minutes later, with the former crossing for the latter to tap home for 2-2, silencing the shell-shocked home crowd.
Morocco regrouped and were awarded a penalty for handball by Folashade Demehin. The decision was, however, overturned following another lengthy VAR review, with the referee going to the pitchside monitor to confirm that Demehin’s hand was in a natural position and the defender was very close to the ball when it was kicked in her direction.
Supersub Echegini then completed the turnaround with a well-struck finish on 88 minutes to win it for Nigeria.
Victory completed Mission X for Nigeria as the Super Falcons bagged their 10th WAFCON title. It also ensured that the Falcons have succeeded in winning the WAFCON title at least once in consecutive tournaments.
President Bola Tinubu has, meanwhile, congratulated the Super Falcons of Nigeria on their victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, and for securing their record 10th continental title.
In a statement by the President’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the president said: “The Super Falcons’ spectacular performance tonight in Rabat, coming from behind to beat a spirited Moroccan side playing in front of a passionate home crowd, exemplifies the determination that defines the Nigerian spirit.”
“With hard work, dedication, and tenacity, you have achieved the mission the nation dreamed of and prayed for. The nation looks forward to welcoming our champions. Congratulations! Nigeria celebrates you”, the president said.
