BREAKING: Nigeria Defeats Morocco, Wins 10th Women’s African Cup of Nations

BREAKING: Nigeria Defeats Morocco, Wins 10th Women’s African Cup of Nations

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been crowned champions of Africa for the 10th time following a dramatic second-half comeback to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The final, played at the packed Olympic Stadium in Rabat, saw the Moroccan Lionesses take a surprising two-goal lead in the first half. Ghizlane Chebbak opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a fine strike from outside the box, before Sanaâ Mssoudy added a second in the 24th minute, finishing calmly from a well-placed pass by Ibtissam Jraidi.

However, the Super Falcons responded with experience and some attacking brilliance to overturn the deficit and win the game. Esther Okoronkwo halved the deficit in the 64th minute, calmly converting a penalty awarded after a VAR check confirmed a handball by Nouhaila Benzina. Just seven minutes later, Okoronkwo turned provider, slipping a well-weighted pass into the path of Folashade F. Ijamilusi, who made no mistake with a low left-footed shot into the bottom corner in the 71st minute.

As the match neared its conclusion, substitute Jennifer Echegini completed the comeback in the 88th minute. The goal came from a set-piece routine, with Okoronkwo again involved — delivering the assist that Echegini guided past the Moroccan keeper to seal the win.

With the victory, the Super Falcons reclaimed the crown they last held in 2018, extending their continental dominance with a 10th WAFCON title in 13 editions.

Meanwhile, Morocco who were impressive throughout the tournament under coach Jorge Vilda were aiming to become the first North African country to lift the trophy.

Nigeria’s goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie won the Golden Glove while captain Rasheedat Ajibade was named Player of the Tournament, and Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak claimed the Golden Boot as top scorer.