President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Super Falcons of Nigeria on their victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, securing their record 10th continental title.
The President, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, said, “The Super Falcons’ spectacular performance tonight in Rabat, coming from behind to beat a spirited Moroccan side playing in front of a passionate home crowd, exemplifies the determination that defines the Nigerian spirit.”
“With hard work, dedication, and tenacity, you have achieved the mission the nation dreamed of and prayed for. The nation looks forward to welcoming our champions. Congratulations! Nigeria celebrates you,” the president added.
Nigeria’s women’s football team, the Super Falcons, secured their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title after a come-from-behind 3-2 victory against Morocco in the final on Saturday, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Morocco got off to a dream start. With just 12 minutes on the clock, captain Ghizlane Chebbak opened the scoring with a brilliant strike from outside the box, curling the ball low past Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
The home crowd erupted, sensing history in the making. Things then got even better for the Atlas Lionesses in the 24th minute. Sanaâ Mssoudy doubled Morocco’s lead after a brilliant piece of play to stun the Nigerians.
A slick pass from Ibtissam Jraidi found Mssoudy in space and the forward made no mistake with a composed finish into the bottom right corner.
Nigeria appeared stunned and went into the break trailing by two goals, facing an uphill battle. But coach Justin Madugu’s halftime talk sparked a spirited response from the Super Falcons.
The comeback began just after the hour mark when a VAR review handed Nigeria a lifeline. A handball by Nouhaila Benzina resulted in a penalty, which was coolly dispatched by Okoronkwo to make it 2-1.
Super Falcons’ Esther Okoronkwo scores penalty for Nigeria.
From that moment, momentum swung Nigeria’s way.
In the 71st minute, Okoronkwo turned provider, slipping a neat ball into the path of Ijamilusi, who drilled a left-footed effort into the bottom corner to bring Nigeria level.
Super Falcons midfielder Folashade Florence Ijamilusi celebrates after scoring a goal against Morocco.
With the match heading towards extra time, Nigeria continued to push forward and found the winner.
A well-worked set-piece situation saw Esther Okoronkwo once again involved, delivering a clever assist to Joe Echegini, who calmly slotted home in the 88th minute to seal a dramatic turnaround.
Super Falcons’ Joe Echegini celebrates winning goal.
Despite late pressure and a flurry of Moroccan attacks, the Super Falcons held firm through a tense final few minutes of stoppage time.
It was a heartbreaking end for Jorge Vilda’s Morocco side, who had impressed throughout the tournament and were bidding to become only the second nation ever to lift the WAFCON trophy after Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea.
But the night belonged to the Super Falcons, whose experience, depth and never-say-die spirit propelled them to yet another African title, their 10th in 13 editions.
The thrilling match saw the Falcons overcome a two-goal deficit to clinch a record-extending 10th WAFCON title, reinforcing their status as the most successful team in the competition’s history.
Nigeria’s triumph not only extended their unmatched legacy on the continent but also served as a resounding statement that, even in the face of rising challengers, they remain the team to beat in African women’s football.
