Nigeria’s women’s national team, the Super Falcons, came from two goals behind to defeat Morocco in Rabat on Saturday evening, clinching their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title.
Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy put Morocco ahead with a two-goal lead by halftime, but the Super Falcons mounted a spirited comeback as Esther Okoronkwo, Florence Ijamilusi, and Echegini found the net to secure a well-deserved victory.
Jennifer Echegini emerged as the hero of the night after scoring the decisive goal in the 88th minute, capping off a spirited second-half comeback by Justine Madugu’s side.
It was almost a dashed hope for the Falcons by the end of first half. However, the Nigerian side raised their game in the second half, forcing the hosts onto the back foot and upping the tempo further with the introduction of Rinsola Babajide and Echegini on the hour mark.
Their pressure paid off when a penalty was awarded after a lengthy VAR review confirmed a handball from Ijamilusi’s cross.
Esther Okoronkwo calmly converted from the spot in the 64th minute, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to make it 2-1.
Just six minutes later, Nigeria drew level. Okoronkwo turned provider, delivering a precise cross that Florence Ijamilusi tapped in to silence the stunned home crowd.
Morocco soon regrouped and thought they had earned a penalty for handball by Folashade Demehin.
But after another extended VAR review, the referee ruled that Demehin’s hand was in a natural position and that she was too close to the ball for it to be considered deliberate.
With two minutes left in regular time, super sub Echegini completed the comeback, firing home a well-taken finish in the 88th minute to seal a memorable 3-2 victory for Nigeria.
