Nigeria complete comeback vs Morocco to secure 10th title

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Esther Okoronkwo of Nigeria holds the WAFCON trophy. — Esther Okoronkwo holds the WAFCON trophy following Nigeria’s triumph over Morocco | Photo credit: CAF, Justina Aniefiok

The WAFCON 2024 final in Rabat delivered one of the most dramatic matches in African women’s football history. Nigeria came from two goals down to defeat Morocco 3-2, securing their record-extending tenth Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.

Here’s how the action unfolded as the Super Falcons secured a stunning comeback to reclaim the WAFCON crown from 2022 champions South Africa.

Morocco’s bright start

Morocco began the match with passion and purpose. Backed by 45,000 home fans, the Atlas Lionesses struck first in the 13th minute. Captain Ghizlane Chebbak curled a spectacular shot into the top corner beyond Chiamaka Nnadozie after Nigerian midfielder Halimatu Ayinde failed to clear a loose ball.

Convincingly, the hosts doubled their lead in the 24th minute, asserting their dominance in the game. Ibtissam Jraidi played a clever pass to Sanaa Mssoudy, who finished clinically. At 2-0, Morocco looked destined for a historic first ever WAFCON crown.

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Nigeria’s tactical response changes dynamics

At half-time, Nigeria’s coach Justin Madugu switched strategy. The Super Falcons pressed higher and played with more width, optimizing overlapping runs of their full-backs, Michelle Alozie and Ashleigh Plumptre, who pushed up to support the attack.

The efforts paid off as in the 63rd minute, Nigeria pulled one back. After a VAR review for handball, Esther Okoronkwo converted from the spot. Eight minutes later, Nigeria were level. Okoronkwo’s deft movement created space for Folashade Ijamilusi to run into as she finished a perfectly placed pass from Esther to equalize the tie.

There was more drama to come.

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Controversy and late drama in Rabat

Morocco thought they had a penalty in the 79th minute, but VAR overturned the decision. That call changed the tone of the game as Nigerians’ songs rang sonorously through the stadium, despite the huge numbers of spectators in red and green.

The Super Falcons heard their fans’ wishes, as the winner came in the 88th minute. Substitute Jennifer Echegini connected with a superb cross from Okoronkwo and scored the decisive goal.

It was an excellent way to seal a thrilling comeback as the West African queens completed ‘Mission X,’ their quest for a tenth title.

This was a perfect game of two halves, with the depth of the bench playing a pivotal part in the outcome. Morocco’s tactics matched Nigeria’s tenacity, and their style couldn’t keep up with the Super Falcons’ sturdiness laced with glistening individual performances.

What this win means for African women’s football

Nigeria’s triumph secures their position as the most successful nation in WAFCON history with 10 titles. The Super Falcons showed why experience matters on the biggest stage.

For Morocco, this heartbreak is a sign of progress. Two consecutive finals prove that the Atlas Lionesses are among Africa’s elite. Their journey reflects the rapid growth of women’s football in North Africa, and who knows, third time might be the lucky charm.

The WAFCON 2024 final was a showcase of resilience, tactical shifts, and dazzling drama. Nigeria wrote another historic chapter, while Morocco’s rise promises even fiercer battles ahead. African women’s football is entering a golden era, and the world should beware of these rising stars.