Nigeria wins Women’s Africa Cup of Nations

Nigeria produced a sensational second-half comeback to beat hosts Morocco 3-2 and seal their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title, as reported by BBC Sport Africa on July 27th.

The Atlas Lionesses of Morocco led 2-0 at halftime, but Esther Okoronkwo inspired Nigeria’s team, the Super Falcons, in the second half, pulling a goal back from the penalty spot in the 64th minute. Okoronko burst into the Morocco box to equalise in the 71st minute, then teed up substitute Jennifer Echegini to score the winning goal with two minutes of the game remaining. 

The 21,000-capacity Olympic Stadium was stunned as the Super Falcons players collapsed to the turf in celebrations at the final whistle. Nigeria billed their campaign for victory as Mission X and have certainly achieved their target, reclaiming the title they last won in 2018 and preserving their 100% record in WAFCON finals.

Morocco, meanwhile, had hired 2023 Women’s World Cup-winning coach Jorge Vilda after he parted company with Spain in a bid to land their first continental crown, but have now lost back-to-back WAFCON finals.

The Super Falcons pick up $1 million in prize money – a figure that doubles the last game’s winnings – and become the first side to lift the new WAFCON trophy. The West Africans have now beaten a third host nation in a WAFCON final following successes over South Africa and Cameroon in 2000 and 2016 respectively.

Their victory has been congratulated by a variety of public figures in Africa, including Morocco’s King Mohammed VI and Nigerian state governor, Dapo Abiodun. “This remarkable victory is more than a football triumph—it is a powerful symbol of courage, perseverance, and unity”, the Ogun governor stated. 

He added: “This historic win is a clarion call to every young girl dreaming of breaking barriers. The Super Falcons have proven that with dedication and belief, there are no limits to what can be achieved”.

In the wake of England winning the women’s Euro finals, the Super Falcons’ victory also cements the growing popularity of the sport worldwide, becoming an inspiration for future generations. 

BBC Sport Africa, Sport247, BBC Sport, Maghrebi.org