Historic! How Super Falcons Completed Mission X, Won 10th WAFCON Title, Wrote Their Names in Gold
Nigeria’s Super Falcons staged a dramatic second-half comeback to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), sealing a record-extending 10th continental title in breathtaking fashion.
Playing at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, the Atlas Lionesses stunned the African giants early on, racing into a 2-0 lead within the first 25 minutes. Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak opened scoring in the 12th minute, while Sanaa Mssoudy doubled the advantage just 12 minutes later, silencing the Nigerian bench and electrifying the home crowd.
But the Super Falcons, true to their reputation, flipped the script in the second half with a heroic display. A penalty by Esther Okoronkwo in the 64th minute sparked the comeback, before she turned provider for Florence Ijamilusi’s equaliser in the 71st minute. With just minutes left on the clock, Jennifer Echegini latched onto an Okoronkwo free kick to complete the turnaround and deliver Nigeria’s long-awaited “Mission X” — the quest for their 10th WAFCON crown.
The loss was a bitter blow for Morocco, who have now lost two consecutive WAFCON finals on home soil. For Nigeria, however, it was a reaffirmation of their dominance in African women’s football.
Path to Glory: Nigeria’s WAFCON 2024 Journey
Nigeria 3–0 Tunisia — Oshoala Leads the Way
The Falcons kicked off their campaign with a commanding victory over Tunisia. Goals from Asisat Oshoala, Rinsola Babajide, and Chinwendu Ihezuo set the tone for the tournament.
Nigeria 1–0 Botswana — Ihezuo Strikes Late
In a tightly contested game against Botswana, Nigeria struggled to break through until Ihezuo fired home in the 89th minute, breaking the Mares’ resistance and sealing qualification to the knockout stage.
Nigeria 0–0 Algeria — Group Stage Wraps with Stalemate
Already assured of a quarter-final spot, Coach Justin Madugu rested key players. Algeria held firm for a goalless draw in a match with few clear chances.
Nigeria 5–0 Zambia — Ruthless in the Quarter-Final
The Super Falcons exploded in the quarter-final, dismantling Zambia with goals from Osinachi Ohale, Okoronkwo, Ihezuo, Oluwatosin Demehin, and Ijamilusi. It was their most emphatic win of the tournament.
Nigeria 2–1 South Africa — Last-Minute Magic
In a semi-final showdown against defending champions South Africa, Rasheedat Ajibade gave Nigeria the lead just before halftime. Linda Motlhalo equalised for Banyana Banyana in the 60th minute, but Nigeria had the last laugh as Michelle Alozie’s looping cross slipped into the net in stoppage time.
Nigeria 3–2 Morocco — Comeback for the Ages
Trailing 0-2 at halftime, the Super Falcons rose to the occasion in the final. Okoronkwo’s penalty and assist sparked life into the team, with Ijamilusi levelling and Echegini sealing the win in the 88th minute to break Moroccan hearts.
Champions Again: A Legacy Reaffirmed
The 2024 title adds to Nigeria’s decorated WAFCON legacy, making it their 10th win in 13 editions. The Super Falcons have only failed to lift the trophy in 2008, 2012, and 2020 — a record unmatched by any team on the continent.
“This was about pride, legacy, and heart. The Super Falcons proved once again why we are the queens of African football,” said head coach Justin Madugu after the win.
With this historic triumph, Nigeria not only reclaimed their place atop African women’s football but also sent a clear message ahead of future international competitions — they remain the team to beat. Read More
