The 13th edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) concluded with a thrilling showdown between record champions Nigeria and hosts Morocco at a packed Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Saturday night. Before an over 20,000-partisan crowd, the Super Falcons mounted a dramatic 3-2 comeback win against the Atlas Lionesses to reclaim continental glory.

For Nigeria, it was the perfect way to complete Mission X, despite the off-field issues that trailed them into the tournament. For Morocco, it was another milestone in the country’s football revolution, and evidence of their infrastructural superiority as they prepare to host the men’s AFCON in December.

But beyond the final fireworks and future expectations, plenty happened in WAFCON 2024’s closing week that deserves just as much attention.

WAFCON 2024: Final Week On the Pitch

In a high-stakes semifinal earlier in the week, Nigeria edged reigning champions South Africa 2-1 courtesy of goals from Rasheedat Ajibade and Michelle Alozie to deliver a long-awaited revenge for WAFCON 2022’s group stage defeat.  

Morocco, on their part, had to rely on a penalty shootout to get the best of Ghana and make the final. In the resulting third-place clash, Ghana’s Black Queens upset the odds by holding Banyana Banyana to a 1-1 draw before rounding off a spirited display with a penalty shootout victory that saw them clinch the competition’s bronze medal.

The WAFCON 2024 final was everything it was expected to be and more. With the overwhelming support of Moroccan fans, some armed with lasers to distract the Falcons, and tactically steered by Jorge Vilda — the coach who led Spain to victory at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup — the Atlas Lionesses had a lot going for them. They capitalised on their advantages with two first-half goals that seemed to have sapped motivation out of the Super Falcons.

But the halftime break and ensuing substitutions rejuvenated the team. Esther Okonkwo’s penalty restored hope before the Toronto AFC forward set up Folasade Ijamilusi for the equaliser, and later, Jennifer Echegini for the winner.

The victory was equal parts redemption and dominance in one sweep: payback for the 2022 semifinal loss and an end to a seven-year trophy drought in grand style, as the team secured their record 10th African title in their 10th final. 

WAFCON 2024: Final Week Off the Pitch

The juice of WAFCON 2024’s final week was mostly on the field, but Nigeria, in typical fashion, gave us a subplot to hold on to.

Earlier in the week, it was reported that the Super Falcons finally received their training and pre-match kits after going without them for weeks in Morocco. It was the NFF’s closest thing to a redemption moment after blaming the kit delay on Moroccan customs.

More heartwarming was the Super Falcons delegation that paid a courtesy visit to injured South African forward Gabriela Salgado midweek. Salgado suffered a mid-shaft fracture to her left leg during the closing minutes of the semifinal clash against Nigeria on Tuesday.

After her successful surgery at the Mohammed VI University Hospital in Casablanca, a strong show of sportsmanship was displayed by the Falcons, led by captain Rasheedat Ajibade, alongside players like Ashleigh Plumptre, Alozie, and Chiamka Nnadozie, who visited the recovering player to offer the team’s heartfelt solidarity. A signed Super Falcons jersey was also presented to her as a gesture of goodwill.