Rabat: Nigeria produced a sensational second-half comeback to beat hosts Morocco 3-2 and seal a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title. The Atlas Lionesses led 2-0 at the break in Rabat through Ghizlane Chebbak’s fine curling effort and a scuffed shot from Sanaa Mssoudy.
According to BBC, Esther Okoronkwo inspired the West Africans after the break, pulling a goal back from the penalty spot in the 64th minute after Nouhaila Benzina handled Folamide Ijamilusi’s cross. Okoronkwo’s performance was pivotal as she burst into the Morocco box and squared for Ijamilusi to equalize in the 71st minute, then teed up substitute Jennifer Echegini to score the winner with two minutes of the game remaining.
Nigeria had been vocal about their intentions of winning their 10th WAFCON, with players consistently discussing that target in media engagements. The Super Falcons backed up their off-field talk with their performances in Morocco throughout the tournament, as coach Justin Madugu found the right blend in the knockout phase. Despite a poor start, where they struggled to match Morocco’s energy, Nigeria managed to turn the game around.
The North Africans initially took control of the match when Halimatu Ayinde’s error allowed Chebbak to score in the 13th minute, followed by Mssoudy’s goal 11 minutes later. However, Okoronkwo’s composure after the intervention of VAR helped make it 2-1 from the spot and set the stage for Nigeria’s comeback.
A crucial moment occurred when Morocco was awarded a penalty in the 79th minute, which was later overturned after a VAR review. The West Africans completed their comeback when Okoronkwo provided a precise free-kick delivery, allowing Echegini to score from six yards out.
Nigeria’s victory marks the third time they have defeated a host nation in a WAFCON final, following successes over South Africa in 2000 and Cameroon in 2016. Despite Morocco’s significant investments in football, their wait for silverware continues, having previously been runners-up in the 2022 edition.
Morocco’s coach, brought in after a controversial exit from Spain, introduced new elements to the team’s play, but they struggled with consistency, often needing to come from behind in matches. As they look to rebuild and prepare for hosting the 2026 edition of WAFCON, Chebbak, who sought to emulate her late father’s success, will have to settle for the tournament’s golden boot, ending with five goals. Her chances of creating a unique piece of family history may be diminishing as she approaches her mid-30s.