Nigeria’s Super Falcons have reclaimed their place at the summit of African women’s football after a dramatic 3–2 victory over Morocco in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
The win, which marks Nigeria’s historic 10th WAFCON title, came after a stunning comeback that left the home crowd in disbelief, according to match reports by CAF Online.
Morocco looked to be in control early on, with captain Ghizlane Chebbak curling in a beautiful strike in the 12th minute to put the hosts ahead. The Atlas Lionesses extended their lead in the 24th minute when Sanaâ Mssoudy capitalized on a defensive lapse to make it 2–0, as confirmed by ESPN.
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With the Nigerian side trailing by two goals at halftime, many expected Morocco to cruise to their first continental title. However, what followed was one of the most memorable turnarounds in WAFCON history.
The Super Falcons halved the deficit in the 64th minute when Esther Okoronkwo calmly converted a penalty following a VAR-reviewed handball by Morocco’s Nouhaila Benzina, according to AP News.
Nigeria drew level just seven minutes later. Okoronkwo turned provider, sending a low cross to Folashade Ijamilusi, who slotted home to make it 2–2 in the 71st minute. The comeback was complete in the 88th minute when substitute Jennifer Echegini curled in a stunning free-kick to seal the win and silence the Rabat crowd.
Speaking after the match, head coach Randy Waldrum said the victory was a result of self-belief and discipline. “At halftime, I told them, ‘You are the queens of African football, go out there and show it,’” Waldrum said, according to CAF’s post-match coverage.
The win is Nigeria’s first WAFCON title since 2018 and serves as redemption after their painful semifinal exit to Morocco in 2022, when they were reduced to nine players and lost on penalties. This year’s tournament, originally scheduled for 2024 but postponed to July 2025 due to logistical delays, was marked by strong performances across the continent, according to The Guardian.
Team captain Onome Ebi, playing in her sixth WAFCON, described the victory as the fulfilment of a promise. “We said we were on a mission and this is the proof. This win is for every Nigerian girl dreaming of greatness,” Ebi said in comments reported by ICIR Nigeria.
The Super Falcons’ 10th title further cements their legacy as Africa’s most successful women’s football team. Their WAFCON triumph also provides a timely morale boost ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where Nigeria will represent the continent alongside Morocco.
As fans across Lagos, Abuja, and beyond celebrate, the Super Falcons’ performance has sparked renewed calls for deeper investment in women’s football across Africa.
