The Super Falcons came back from two goals down at halftime to claim a 3-2 victory over the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigeria squared off against hosts Morocco in the final of the WAFCON at Stade Olympique de Rabat.
Given the quality of football that both teams had played since the start of the competition, it was expected to be an enthralling encounter, and they turned up.
Morocco had the support of their home fans, as they turned up in their numbers to show support for their team.
They also turned up with their lazer lights which did not do any favour for the Super Falcons.
Nigeria struggled to get into the groove quickly, and the Atlas Lionesses took advantage of their slow start. Jorge Vilda’s women pressed Nigeria high, making it difficult for them to link defence to offense.
It soon yielded results, Ghizlane Chebbak scored the opener in the 13th minute. She got the ball in front of the the D after a defensive mix-up from Nigeria and unleashed a scorcher that just went past Chiamaka Nnadozie and nestled at the back of the net.
What. A. Strike!
Ghizlane Chebbak scores Morocco’s first goal of the night in their final vs. Nigeria.
( via @CAFwomen) #WAFCONpic.twitter.com/in5CABXGX5
— DW Sports (@dw_sports) July 26, 2025
Before the Super Falcons could catch their breath, the Atlas Lionesses struck again. This time, it was Sanaa Mssoudy who did the damage.
She beat Michelle Alozie on the left side of Nigeria’s box and struck a low shot into the bottom of the net to make it 2-0 after 24 minutes.
Sanaâ Mssoudy gets Morocco the brace in under 30 minutes. They aren’t wasting time! #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024 pic.twitter.com/R6DdDAA7cD
— CAF Women’s Football (@CAFwomen) July 26, 2025
The Super Falcons soon settled into the game and tried to pull one back before the break. However, Morocco were solid and resolute and restricted Nigeria from making any meaningful incision.
Justin Madugu’s game plan of playing long balls for the attackers to chase did not pay off, as the Atlas Lionesses expected it and made adequate plans to neutralize it.
Nonetheless, the Super Falcons switched things up a bit in the second half, as they started to play the ball on the turf.
Then, in the 58th minute, Madugu took off Halimatu Ayinde and Chinwendu Ihezuo and introduced Jennifer Echegini and Rinsola Babajide. That was what changed the game.
In the 62nd minute, Nigeria won a penalty after a VAR review showed that a Moroccan defender handled Folashade Ijamilusi’s cross into the box.
Okoronkwo took charge of the penalty kick and blasted it into the net to make it 2-1 after 64 minutes.
While Morocco were still reeling from that goal, Nigeria struck again. This time, Okoronkwo turned provider. She won the ball deep in Morocco’s half as they were trying to play through Nigeria’s press.
Okoronkwo dribbled past the marker on her, ran into the box, and squared the ball to Ijamilusi, who slid in with glee and poked the ball into the net to make it 2-2.
It is not Lionel Messi, it is Esther Okoronkwo.
What a sleeky footwork from Nigeria’s Okoronkwo to set up Folashade Ijamilusi for the Super Falcons to draw level.
The Super Falcons were two goals down, but fought their way back…. remarkable!!pic.twitter.com/9xOnFDHkGh
— Making of Champions (@MakingOfChamps) July 26, 2025
It looked like the game would drag into extra time, but the Super Falcons had the momentum. In the 87th minute, they won a freekick in an area that was just good enough for a cross.
Okoronkwo took charge as usual and crossed the ball into the area. Echegini, who was lurking in the box, lost her marker and sent a well-placed half-volley to make it 3-2.
WHAT A COMEBACK!
Jennifer Echegini scores in the final minutes. Putting Nigeria ahead in the #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024 final! pic.twitter.com/XJyeGhAryx
— CAF Women’s Football (@CAFwomen) July 26, 2025
Echegini’s goal was just enough to win the game for Nigeria and seal their place as 2024 WAFCON Champions. They became the first team two come back from two goals down at halftime to win a WAFCON final by full time.
The victory also means that the Super Falcons also extend their record WAFCON titles haul to ten.
