Nigeria came from two goals down to defeat Morocco 3-2 in the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Saturday night – completing ‘Mission X’ by claiming their 10th continental crown.
Goals in the opening quarter of the match from Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy put the Atlas Lionesses in control and seemingly on course to exorcise the ghosts of the 2022 final (also on home soil) when they were beaten by South Africa.
As for the Super Falcons, their meek first-half showing was replaced by a more intense and focused effort after the break, which saw them level the game at 2-2 through a penalty from Esther Okoronkwo and close-range strike from Folashade Ijamilusi.
And substitute Jennifer Echegini then wrote herself into African football history with a goal in the 88th minute, sealing a record-extending 10th title as Nigeria returned to the summit of women’s football on the continent.
The teams traded half chances in the opening stages, but Morocco drew first blood via captain Ghizlane Chebbak in the 13th minute, as the veteran whipped home a right-footed shot from the ‘D’ of Nigeria’s penalty area after a spell of sustained pressure.
And just over 10 minutes later the Atlas Lionesses doubled their lead, with Sanaa Mssoudy striking home a low, left-footed effort after a hopeful cross from the right had found it’s way to the FAR Rabat forward.
Nigeria upped their game through the remainder of the first half, though they created no clear chances with which to test out Morocco goalkeeper Khadija Errmichi, leaving the score 2-0 in favour of the host nation at the interval.
Great Comeback
The second half settled into a similar pattern as the end of the first, with Nigeria dominating possession and forcing Morocco to sit deep in defence – though the North Africans threatened through their pace, especially from Sakina Ouzraoui, on the counter attack.
The Super Falcons shuffled their pack with the introductions of Jennifer Echegini and Rinsola Babajide just before the hour mark, and in the 63rd minute their attacking pressure paid dividends with the award of a penalty (after a VAR review) for hand-ball from Morocco defender Nouhaila Benzina.
Esther Okoronkwo scored from the spot to bring the West Africans right back into the contest at 1-2.
And Okoronkwo played a key role in the equalising goal in the 71st minute, driving into the penalty area before unselfishly teeing up Folashade Ijamilusi, who struck home at close range for 2-2.
All momentum appeared to be with the Super Falcons, but in the 79th minute Morocco were awarded a penalty of their own for a hand-ball from defender Oluwatosin Demehin.
However, the referee reversed her decision after a VAR review – much to the annoyance of the home supporters.
And Nigeria then completed the comeback with a third goal, arriving in the 88th minute when Echegini swept home Okoronkwo’s free kick delivery to make it 3-2 and complete ‘Mission X’ for the Super Falcons.
Morocco (2) 2 (Chebbak 13’, Mssoudy 24’)
Nigeria (0) 3 (Okoronkwo 64’ pen, Ijamilusi 71’, Echegini 88’)
MOROCCO: Errmichi, Ait El Haj, Benzina, Rabbah (Chapelle 90+1’), Redouani, Mrabet (Kassi 75’), Chebbak, Badri, Mssoudy, Ouzraoui, Jraidi (Saoud 75’)
NIGERIA: Nnadozie, Alozie (Oladipo 90+3’), Ohale, Demehin, Plumptre, Ayinde (Echegini 59’), Abiodun, Ijamilusi (Oshoala 78’), Ajibade, Ihezuo (Babajide 58’), Okoronkwo (Isah 90+3’)