Nigeria delivered one of the most dramatic comebacks in Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) history, rallying from a two-goal deficit to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 in a thrilling final and claim their record-extending 10th title.
The match started in Morocco’s favor, as the Atlas Lionesses capitalized on early Nigerian errors to take control. Ghizlane Chebbak opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a brilliant curling strike following a mistake from Halimatu Ayinde. Sanaa Mssoudy then added a second goal just after the half-hour mark, beating the Nigerian goalkeeper with a scuffed shot across goal to give the home side a 2-0 lead at halftime.
However, the second half saw a stunning turnaround. Esther Okoronkwo sparked the revival in the 64th minute when she confidently converted a penalty after Nouhaila Benzina was penalized for a handball inside the box. Just seven minutes later, Okoronkwo was at the heart of the action again, slicing through the Moroccan defense before setting up Folamide Ijamilusi for the equalizer.
Morocco thought they had regained the lead in the 79th minute when they were awarded a penalty for a Blessing Demehin handball. But after a lengthy VAR review, the decision was overturned, giving Nigeria a reprieve.
With the game heading toward extra time, Nigeria struck the decisive blow. Okoronkwo delivered a precise free-kick that substitute Jennifer Echegini latched onto, beating Benzina to the ball and finishing coolly to secure victory in the 88th minute.
The result was a bitter disappointment for Morocco, who had high hopes under Spanish coach Jorge Vilda. Despite massive investment and reaching their second consecutive final, the Atlas Lionesses fell short once again, their dream of a first continental crown slipping away in front of a passionate home crowd.
Chebbak, the tournament’s top scorer with five goals, was aiming to emulate her father, a former AFCON winner, but at 35, this may have been her final opportunity.
For Nigeria, the win reaffirms their dominance in African women’s football and adds to their legacy of toppling host nations, having previously done so against South Africa in 2000 and Cameroon in 2016.
