Nigeria's Epic Comeback Downs Morocco to Clinch 10th African Title
Nigeria secured a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title with a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Morocco.
The hosts stunned with a two-goal lead in the first half, but the Super Falcons roared back after the break with goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and Jennifer Echegini to seal a dramatic victory.
Justine Madugu’s side began the game brightly, but despite their early attacking intent, they were unable to take the lead as Morocco’s backline held firm and denied them any real breakthroughs.
However, it was the Atlas Lionesses who struck first in the 12th minute, as Ghizlane Chebbak pounced on a poor clearance from Halimatu Ayinde and curled a stunning long-range effort past goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Roared on by a deafening home crowd at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium, Morocco doubled their lead in the 24th minute through Sanaa Mssoudy, exploiting a moment of chaotic defending from the West Africans.
Nonetheless, Nigeria delivered a commendable second-half performance to complete their comeback. They pulled one back just four minutes past the hour mark from the penalty spot, after VAR ruled that Nouhaila Benzina had handled the ball in the box.
The comeback was completed seven minutes later when Ijamilusi slotted the ball into an empty net after being set up brilliantly by Okoronkwo.
The Super Falcons took control, dominating all aspects of the game until Jorge Vilda’s team earned a lifeline in the 78th minute when referee Antsino Twanyanyukwa awarded a penalty against Oluwatosin Demehin after Imane Saoud’s cross made contact with her hand.
Sadly, VAR review overturned the decision, ruling that the defender’s hand was in its natural position.
With just two minutes remaining, Echegini fired in the winner from a perfectly delivered free-kick by Okoronkwo, sealing Nigeria’s ‘Mission X’ and leaving the home team in despair.
During the award ceremony, South Africa received the Fair Play Award, while Chebbak claimed the top scorer prize with five goals. Nigeria’s goalkeeper Nnadozie was honoured as the Best Goalkeeper, and captain Rasheedat Ajibade was named Player of the Tournament.