Daniel Otera
Esther Okoronkwo was the star of the night as Nigeria’s Super Falcons completed a dramatic 3–2 comeback against hosts Morocco to win their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title on Saturday in Rabat.
Morocco, backed by a raucous home crowd at the 21,000-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, looked set for a historic win after first-half goals from captain Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaâ Mssoudy gave them a 2–0 advantage. But the Super Falcons, known for their resilience and legacy in African women’s football, had other plans.
“This team never gives up,” head coach Justin Madugu told Observers Times after the final whistle. “They dug deep and responded like true champions.”
Nigeria’s comeback kicked off in the 64th minute when Okoronkwo calmly converted a penalty awarded after a VAR review spotted a handball by Morocco’s Nouhaila Benzina. That goal shifted the momentum firmly in favour of the Falcons.
Just seven minutes later, Okoronkwo turned provider, threading a pass through to Folashade Ijamilusi, who struck a low effort past the Moroccan keeper to bring Nigeria level.
With the clock ticking towards extra time, the Super Falcons struck the decisive blow. In the 88th minute, a clever set-piece routine saw Okoronkwo deliver her second assist of the night, teeing up Jennifer Echegini who slotted home to complete one of the most thrilling turnarounds in WAFCON history.
Despite Morocco’s desperate push in the dying moments, Nigeria’s defence, anchored by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, held firm.
“It’s painful, but we gave everything,” said Moroccan skipper Chebbak, who finished as the tournament’s top scorer. “This is not the end for us.”
Esther Okoronkwo was named Player of the Match, while Nnadozie earned the award for Best Goalkeeper. Rasheedat Ajibade, ever present throughout the tournament, was crowned Player of the Tournament.
Saturday’s triumph marks Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON title in 13 editions, reaffirming their dominance in the women’s game on the continent.
The victory also earned the Falcons a $1 million prize and the revamped WAFCON trophy. But for many fans, the real reward was the team’s fighting spirit and never-say-die attitude.
“We came here with one mission to take the crown back,” Okoronkwo said. “Now it’s mission complete.”