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 through Ghizlane Chebbak’s 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 then burst into the Morocco box and squared for Ijamilusi to equalize in the 71st minute, before setting up substitute Jennifer Echegini to score the winner with two minutes remaining.
Nigeria had been vocal about their intentions of winning their 10th Wafcon, consistently addressing this goal in media engagements. The Super Falcons backed up their talk with performances in Morocco, as coach Justin Madugu found the right blend in the knockout phase. Despite a poor first half, where Morocco went ahead in the 13th minute and doubled their lead 11 minutes later, Nigeria made a strong comeback.
Okoronkwo’s composure was evident after a VAR intervention allowed her to make it 2-1 from the spot. Another significant moment occurred when Morocco was awarded a penalty in the 79th minute, only for the decision to be overturned after a VAR review. The comeback was completed with Okoronkwo’s free-kick delivery to Echegini, who scored from six yards out.
The win marks Nigeria’s victory over a third host nation in a Wafcon final, following successes over South Africa and Cameroon in 2000 and 2016. Despite Morocco’s investment in football, the wait for silverware continues. The Atlas Lionesses, who were runners-up in the 2022 edition, will now look to rebuild before hosting the 2026 Wafcon.
Chebbak aimed to emulate her late father Larbi, an Africa Cup of Nations winner with Morocco in 1976, but will have to settle for the golden boot with five goals. At 36 by the next tournament, her chances of creating a unique family history are diminishing.