WAFCON 2024: Nigeria complete stunning comeback to win record 10th title against Morocco
Nigeria's Super Falcons staged an incredible second-half comeback to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 and lift their record-extending 10th continental title on Saturday night at the Stade Moulay Abdellah in Rabat.
The hosts, backed by a passionate Moroccan crowd, seemed destined for their first-ever WAFCON title after taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the first half. Captain Ghizlaine Chebbak opened the scoring early with a composed finish before Sanaa Msoudy doubled their advantage just 10 minutes later, sending the stadium into a frenzy.
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But the Super Falcons, true to their pedigree as Africa's most successful women's football team, showed remarkable resilience and determination in the second half. Esther Okoronkwo began the resurgence by converting a penalty after a VAR-reviewed Moroccan handball incident inside the box.
Okoronkwo was again at the heart of Nigeria’s equaliser, delivering a sublime through ball that set up Folashade Ijamilusi for a well-taken finish, leveling the score at 2-2 and shifting the momentum firmly in Nigeria’s favour.
Then, with just minutes left on the clock, substitute Jennifer Echegini emerged as the hero. The midfielder latched onto a curling free-kick from Okoronkwo, unleashing a brilliant half-volley into the roof of the net, stunning the Moroccan fans into silence and securing Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON crown.
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It was a game that showcased not only the tactical strength and depth of Nigeria’s squad but also their mental toughness. Head coach Randy Waldrum praised the team's spirit after the final whistle, stating, “This group never gave up. We believed we could turn it around, and they proved again why Nigeria is the powerhouse of African women’s football.”
Morocco, despite the heartbreak, earned plaudits for their attacking verve and spirit throughout the tournament, but the defeat marked their second consecutive WAFCON final loss on home soil, having also fallen short in the 2022 edition against South Africa.
Meanwhile, Ghana secured third place after overcoming reigning champions South Africa in a dramatic penalty shootout (4-3) on Friday, following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
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Nigeria's Road to Victory:
- Group Stage: Topped their group with dominant performances.
- Quarter-Final: Overcame Zambia in a hard-fought 1-0 win.
- Semi-Final: Edged out Ghana in extra time.
- Final: Staged a historic 3-2 comeback win over Morocco.
Key Stats:
- Nigeria: 10 WAFCON titles (1991, 1995, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2024)
- Esther Okoronkwo: 1 goal, 2 assists in the final
- Jennifer Echegini: Winning goal, super-sub impact
- Morocco: Two straight final losses (2022, 2024)
With this win, Nigeria not only reasserts its dominance in African women’s football but also sends a strong message ahead of next year's Olympic Games and international tournaments.
SportsLigue
