The Super Falcons staged a remarkable comeback to defeat the Atlas Lionesses 3-2 in the final of the 13th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), clinching their 10th title at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Saturday night, July 26.
Substitute Jennifer Echegini sealed the victory with an 88th-minute winner, dashing Jorge Vilda’s hopes of securing Morocco’s first-ever title on home soil.
Morocco had taken a commanding lead early on, with captain Chizlaine Chebbak opening the scoring in the 13th minute, followed by Sanaa Mssoudy’s well-taken second in the 23rd minute after outsmarting goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
The Super Falcons launched their comeback in the second half, with Esther Okoronkwo converting a penalty in the 64th minute. Just seven minutes later, she turned provider, setting up Folashade Ijamilusi for the equaliser in the 71st minute.
With just two minutes left on the clock, US-born Esther Okoronkwo once again turned provider, delivering a precise assist to substitute Jennifer Echegini, who finished brilliantly, according to Premium Times.
Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade was named Player of the Tournament, while Chiamaka Nnadozie, a two-time CAF Best Women’s Goalkeeper, earned the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award after conceding only three goals.
Nigeria earned $1 million for winning the 13th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and, according to the NFF, have never lost a final in the tournament’s history.
Super Falcons legend Asisat Oshoala expressed her delight over Nigeria’s victory against the Atlas Lionesses in the WAFCON final. In a post on X, the six-time CAF Women’s Player of the Year noted that neither the Moroccan players nor their fans anticipated Nigeria’s dramatic comeback with less than 30 minutes left in the match.