THE Super Falcons of Nigeria not only clinched their record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title last night, they also won most of the individual awards for the tournament.
The serial winners produced a comeback of epic proportions to come from 2-0 down and beat hosts Morocco 3-2 in the final at a packed Olympic Stadium in Rabat, stunning the home crowd into silence.
The first award of the night went to the brilliant Esther Okoronkwo, who started the fightback with a fine penalty in the second half and then assisted Folashade Ijamilusi and Jennifer Echegini as the Super Falcons successfully competed ‘Mission X’.
Okoronkwo was named Player of the Match, her second of the tournament after bagging the prize in the opening 3-0 victory over Tunisia three weeks ago.
The biggest individual award went to Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who was named Player of the Tournament following a remarkable campaign.
Ajibade led the team by example and won several Player of the Match accolades before landing the ultimate prize last night.
Chiamaka Nnadozie, who kept four clean sheets in six matches and conceded only three goals, was unsurprisingly voted Goalkeeper of the Tournament.
The new Brighton & Hove Albion shot-stopper is already a two-time African Goalkeeper of the Year and is on course to retaining the title for a third straight year.
Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu, who was undertaking his first major assignment as boss, was named Coach of the Tournament.
In other awards, Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak emerged as the top scorer and claimed the Golden Boot for her five goals, including the superb opener in the final, while South Africa won the Fair Play prize.
2024 WAFCON AWARDS
Best Goalkeeper
Chiamaka Nnadozie
Player of the Tournament
Rasheedat Ajibade
Coach of the Tournament
Justine Madugu
Fair Play Team
South Africa
Golden Boot
Ghizlane Chebbak (5 goals)