Rabat: Nigeria produced a sensational second-half comeback to beat hosts Morocco 3-2 and seal a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title. The Atlas Lionesses led 2-0 at the break in Rabat through Ghizlane Chebbak's fine curling effort and a scuffed shot from Sanaa Mssoudy.
According to BBC, Esther Okoronkwo inspired the West Africans after the break, pulling a goal back from the penalty spot in the 64th minute after Nouhaila Benzina handled Folamide Ijamilusi's cross. Okoronkwo then burst into the Morocco box and squared for Ijamilusi to equalise in the 71st minute, before setting up substitute Jennifer Echegini to score the winner with two minutes of the game remaining.
Nigeria had not been shy in expressing their intentions of winning their 10th Wafcon, with players consistently asked about that target in media engagements. The Super Falcons backed up their off-field talk with performances in Morocco, as coach Justin Madugu found the right blend in the knockout phase.
Yet, the top-ranked side in Africa made a poor start and were unable to match Morocco's level in the first half. The North Africans went ahead in the 13th minute when Halimatu Ayinde gave the ball to Chebbak, who sent a shot just inside the left-hand upright, and doubled their lead 11 minutes later when Mssoudy shot across goal.
Okoronkwo was composed after the intervention of VAR to make it 2-1 from the spot, and then controlled, paused, and set up Ijamilusi for the equalizer. Another pivotal moment occurred when Morocco was awarded a penalty in the 79th minute, which was overturned after a VAR review.
The comeback was completed when Okoronkwo provided a precise free-kick delivery, and Echegini swept home from six yards out. Nigeria has now defeated a third host nation in a Wafcon final, following successes over South Africa and Cameroon in 2000 and 2016, respectively.
While Morocco has invested heavily in football, with backing from King Mohammed VI, the wait for silverware continues. The Atlas Lionesses, who were beaten by South Africa in the 2022 final, brought in coach Vilda following his exit from Spain. Despite his contributions, Morocco faced challenges in reaching the final and will now focus on rebuilding before hosting the 2026 edition of Wafcon.
Chebbak, who aimed to emulate her late father's success, will have to console herself with the golden boot after ending with five goals. However, as she will be 36 by the next tournament, her chances of creating a unique family history appear to be diminishing.