The Super Falcons of Nigeria came back from two goals down against Morocco to win their record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in what was a pulsating clash at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Saturday, July 26.

In an encounter set to be the rematch of the 2022 third-place clash where Morocco defeated nine-woman Nigeria on penalties, head coach Justine Madugu opted for a slight change in his last starting lineup that defeated  South Africa, with Deborah Abiodun replacing Jennifer Echegini.

The Super Falcons were, however, on the back foot in the early stages of the encounter. The Atlas Lionesses, buoyed by a massive raucous crowd, dictated much of the proceedings against a Falcons side that looked out of sorts.  

The hosts’ early pressure paid off, as Ghuzlane Chebbak pounced on a poor clearance in the 13th minute to score the opener and effectively secure her place as the tournament’s top scorer with five goals. About ten minutes later, the Atlas Lionesses struck again and got a deserved second after another defensive lapse from the Falcons allowed Sanaa Mssoudy enough space to beat Michelle Alozie and ultimately fire past Chiamaka Nnadozie.

At that point, the game seemed to have slipped from Nigeria’s control. Their mental dip showed in a lethargic display that dragged into the second half, until Madugu introduced Echegini and Rinsola Babajide in the 59th minute.

Reinvigorated, Nigeria got one leg back into the game via a penalty from Esther Okoronkwo, resulting from a handball. Six minutes later, the West African giants equalised after Okoronkwo set up Folashade Ijamilusi for her second of the competition.

Momentum had fully swung Nigeria’s way from there, and they capitalised on it with Echegini getting on the end of Okoronkwo’s freekick to put Nigeria ahead for the first time on the night.

Morocco thought they’d earned a lifeline late on, when the referee pointed to the spot for a handball against Nigeria. But after a lengthy VAR review, the decision was overturned, as Nigeria held on for their record-extending 10th WAFCON title in what was their 10th final.