The Super Falcons of Nigeria completed a historic comeback to beat hosts Morocco 3-2 and lift the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Friday night, Footynaija.com reports.
It was a game that delivered everything — goals, drama, VAR controversy, and, most importantly, a new chapter in African women’s football history.
Nigeria, nine-time champions before the final, came into the match as favourites, but it was Morocco who raced into a shocking two-goal lead within the first 22 minutes, silencing the Nigerian bench and electrifying the home crowd.
Ghizlane Chebbak, the tournament’s top scorer, fired the Lionesses ahead in the 12th minute with her fifth goal of the campaign. Ten minutes later, Fatima Tagnaout sliced through the Nigerian backline, setting up Mssoudy to double the advantage, leaving Nigeria reeling.
But the Super Falcons responded like champions.
Just past the hour mark, VAR intervened after a Folashade Ijamilusi shot struck a Moroccan arm inside the box. Esther Okoronkwo calmly converted the resulting penalty to reduce the deficit.
Nigeria, sensing a shift in momentum, struck again in the 72nd minute.
Okoronkwo and Ijamilusi combined once more — this time the former turned provider, squaring the ball for Ijamilusi to tap home the equaliser. It was the first time in WAFCON final history that a team had come back from 2-0 down to draw level.
Morocco had a penalty call of their own cancelled out by VAR before Nigeria struck the killer blow.
The moment of destiny came in the 88th minute. Michelle Alozie earned a free-kick near the Moroccan penalty area, and Okoronkwo whipped in a teasing delivery. Substitute Jennifer Echegini met it first time with a brilliant half-volley into the net, completing Nigeria’s stunning turnaround.
The Super Falcons’ 3-2 victory handed them a record-extending tenth WAFCON crown and condemned Morocco to a second consecutive final defeat on home soil. No host nation had ever suffered back-to-back home final losses — until now.