- Safiu Kehinde
The Super Falcons of Nigeria has clinched its 10th Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in a dramatic comeback win against Morocco.
Nigeria once again displayed its dominance in Africa’s women’s football at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat as they shocked the host nation with a 3-2 comeback win.
Super Falcons endured a sloppy start kick-off as Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak put the host nation in an early lead.
Chebbak’s 13th minute shot outside the box went beyond the reach of Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, to set Morocco on the path of history.
The Atlas Lioness would further ditch Nigeria’s Mission X quest as Saana Masoudy doubled the lead in the 30th minute.
Super Falcons were unable to respond as they were kept at bay by the Moroccans in the first half.
However, the West African giant came back with fierce determination in the second half.
They eventually broke through Morocco’s watertight defence as the host nation was forced to concede a penalty in the 64th minute.
Esther Okoronkwo stepped up to convert the penalty, narrowing the margin.
Okoronkwo would turn assist-maker to set up Folashade Ijamilusi to level it in the 71st.
However, a controversial handball would nearly dent the Super Falcons’ dream with a potential penalty for Morocco.
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review ruled out the penalty to keep Nigeria’s hope alive.
With barely five minutes left before full time, the Super Falcons midfielder and eventual player of the match launched a well taken free kick which was tapped into the net by Jennifer Echegini, to complete the dramatic comeback for Nigeria.