Super Falcons clinch 10th WAFCON title with 3-2 victory over Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses

Nigeria’s Super Falcons secured a historic 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations- WAFCON title with a thrilling 3-2 victory over hosts Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses in the 2024 final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Saturday night. The match, attended by a passionate crowd of 21,000, marked the culmination of Nigeria’s “Mission X” campaign to reclaim the continental crown they last won in 2018.

The Super Falcons, led by coach Justine Madugu, showcased resilience and tactical prowess to overcome a determined Moroccan side, who were seeking their first-ever WAFCON title. The Atlas Lionesses, backed by a fervent home crowd and coached by Jorge Vilda, the 2023 Women’s World Cup-winning coach with Spain, took an early lead through captain Ghizlane Chebbak in the 13th minute. Sanaa Mssoudy doubled Morocco’s advantage in the 24th minute, putting Nigeria on the back foot.

However, Nigeria mounted a spirited comeback in the second half. Esther Okoronkwo sparked the revival with a clinical strike in the 64th minute, reducing the deficit. Folashade Ijamilusi leveled the score in the 71st minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse. The decisive moment came in the 88th minute when substitute Onyi Echegini smashed home a powerful shot to put Nigeria ahead for the first time, sending the Super Falcons’ bench and fans into a frenzy.

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Despite six minutes of added time, Nigeria’s defense, anchored by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, held firm to secure the victory. The Super Falcons’ attack was characterized by its diversity, with eight different players contributing goals throughout the tournament, including standout performances from captain Rasheedat Ajibade and forward Esther Okoronkwo.

Morocco, who scored 11 goals in the tournament, relied heavily on Chebbak, the joint-top scorer with four goals, but struggled defensively, having conceded six goals across five matches. The Atlas Lionesses’ loss marked their second consecutive WAFCON final defeat on home soil, following a 2-1 loss to South Africa in 2022.

The victory avenged Nigeria’s 2022 semi-final loss to Morocco, where the Super Falcons fell on penalties after being reduced to nine players. The Super Falcons’ perfect record in WAFCON finals remains intact, with 7 wins from 7 appearances, cementing their status as Africa’s most successful women’s football team. The match was broadcast live on SuperSport, SNRT, and CAF TV, captivating audiences across the continent.

As Nigeria celebrates its latest triumph, the focus now shifts to the team’s preparations for future global competitions, including the FIFA Women’s World Cup, where they aim to build on their storied legacy.