How the Super Falcons Staged a Historic Comeback to Win Their 10th WAFCON

The Super Falcons of Nigeria completed a historic comeback to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 on Saturday and win the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) for a record-extending 10th time.

In front of a buzzing crowd at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, Morocco stunned the Nigerian team with two early goals, but the Super Falcons launched a spirited second-half fightback to turn the game on its head.

Morocco Start Fast, But Nigeria Respond

The hosts took control early, racing to a 2-0 lead in the first 25 minutes. Ghizlane Chebbak opened the scoring just 12 minutes into the match, before Sanaa Mssoudy added a second goal shortly after.

Trailing at halftime, Nigeria regrouped and came out with renewed urgency. A penalty converted by Esther Okoronkwo in the 64th minute gave the Super Falcons a lifeline. Just seven minutes later, Florence Ijamilusi scored the equaliser, assisted again by Okoronkwo.

With only two minutes left in regulation time, Jennifer Echegini connected with a free-kick from Okoronkwo and smashed home the winner, completing one of the most dramatic turnarounds in WAFCON final history.

Mission X Accomplished

For Nigeria, this victory marked the completion of “Mission X”, their stated goal of claiming a 10th WAFCON title. The win also meant Morocco became the first team to lose back-to-back WAFCON finals on home soil.

Nigeria’s Path to the Title

The journey to the final was anything but easy. Nigeria played six matches and drew only once during their campaign:

• Nigeria vs Tunisia [3-0]: Goals from Asisat Oshoala, Rinsola Babajide, and Chinwendu Ihezuo secured an emphatic opening win.

• Botswana vs Nigeria [0-1]: A late strike in the 89th minute by Ihezuo broke the resistance of the tournament’s lowest-ranked team.

• Nigeria vs Algeria [0-0]: Already qualified, Nigeria rested several key players and settled for a draw.

• Nigeria vs Zambia [5-0]: A commanding quarter-final performance saw goals from Ohale, Okoronkwo, Ihezuo, Demehin, and Ijamilusi.

• Nigeria vs South Africa [2-1]: In a high-stakes semi-final, Ajibade scored just before halftime, with Michelle Alozie’s late cross sealing victory in stoppage time.

Final vs Morocco: A Test of Character

In the final, Morocco came out swinging and had Nigeria on the ropes early. But the Super Falcons responded with resilience and composure, led by the brilliance of Esther Okoronkwo, who scored one goal and assisted two more in a player-of-the-match performance.

A Statement of Continental Dominance

With this win, Nigeria reaffirmed their dominance in African women’s football, securing their 10th title in 11 WAFCON final appearances. The only editions they failed to win were in 2008, 2012, and 2020.

The Super Falcons’ victory not only added another trophy to their cabinet but also solidified their reputation as the undisputed queens of African football.

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