Nigerians are still buzzing from the Super Falcons’ dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Morocco to clinch a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations crown, Footynaija.com reports.
It’s the same for Super Falcons midfielder Jennifer Echegini, who came off the bench while Nigeria trailed Morocco by two goals in Rabat and helped her team claw their way back to level ground before netting an 88th minute winner to turn the game on its head.
Saturday’s triumph at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat saw the Super Falcons achieve continental success for the 10th time in their history. But for Echegini, it was her first taste of collective success as a professional footballer.
“I’m just going to carry this moment close to me,” she told The BBC.
“If I’m ever doubting myself as a player, I just think of this to encourage me and give me confidence. It’s my first trophy I’ve ever won in my career, so definitely a memorable one that I’ll keep in my heart forever.”
A lethargic first half performance from Nigeria saw them fall two goals behind the Atlas Lionesses as Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy profited off some surprisingly shaky defensive moments.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s much improved second half display, Echegini all but admitted that the Super Falcons had to basically throw caution to the wind as they sought to fight their way back into the game.
“We’re 2-0 down in the final, it’s half-time, you absolutely have nothing to lose,” Echegini said. “It’s either you play with fear and you lose the game or you put everything into the game and you hope you win – and we did so.”
Having struggled in recent years, the Super Falcons will be hoping this return to the summit of African women’s football will kick-start another era of dominance.