Nigeria stun hosts Morocco in spirited second half comeback win led by Esther Okoronkwo
The Super Falcons produced an incredible comeback win over hosts Morocco in the WAFCON final to win their 10th title. After going 2 goals down in the first 30 minutes, it looked like Nigeria would succumb to a defeat in Rabat. However, second half goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi and Joe Echegini were enough to overturn the deficit.
Morocco 2-3 Nigeria WAFCON final as it happened
Morocco’s stunning first half display
It was a classic final in Rabat on Saturday night. Morocco –who were fighting for their first WAFCON title in front of a packed home stadium–put up an impressive first half shift to stun the Super Falcons.
Dominating the opening exchanges, it didn’t take long for the hosts to open the scoring through captain Ghizlane Chebbak. A poorly cleared ball fell kindly for Chebbak who curled it in from outside the box past Nnadozie causing the crowd to erupt. The goal – Chebbak’s fifth of the tournament, meant she won the golden boot for the second time in a row. 
Nigeria’s hopes of claiming a 10th title was dealt another heavy blow in the 24th minute when Morocco scored a second goal. A long ball into the box evaded everyone and was met by Sanaã Mssoudy at the back post. The forward drilled in a composed finish well beyond the reach of Nnadozie and into the bottom corner to double the lead for Morocco. Nigeria could not muster anything of note and were probably relieved when the halftime whistle sounded. 
Nigeria’s spirited comeback
The Super Falcons came out better in the second half but couldn’t find a goal until just after the hour mark. VAR spotted a handball by Nouhaila Benzina and a penalty was awarded after a review. Esther Okoronkwo stepped up and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way for 2-1. 
Okoronkwo was involved yet again as Nigeria found a leveller 7 minutes later. The forward weaved her way past the Moroccan defense before squaring selflessly for Ijamilusi to tuck in.
With the scores level, both sides fought to find a winner and the match looked like it would be heading to extra time until Nigeria found a late winner. It was Esther Okoronkwo again who provided the all important assist. Her perfectly weighted free kick into the box was met by Joe Echegini who tucked it home to complete the comeback. Nigeria held on to clinch victory despite Morocco’s best efforts to drag the match to extra time.
Mission X accomplished!
The result means Nigeria are crowned African champions for the 10th time. They are the most successful women’s team on the continent with no side coming close. For context, the Women’s African Cup of Nations has been running for 13 editions, and Nigeria has won 10 of those. They have won every final they’ve reached in this competition. 
Morocco fails again at the last hurdle
For Morocco, defeat spelt heartbreak. It was their second final defeat in a row having also lost the 2022 edition to South Africa. A final on home turf and a 2-0 first half lead thrown away. They missed an opportunity to become only the fourth nation ever to lift the WAFCON trophy after Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa. They have been impressive throughout the tournament and perhaps had they met a different opponent in the final, it may have been a different result.
