Nigeria has been crowned 2024 African Women’s Cup of Nations (WAFCON) champions for a record-extending tenth time, coming from 2-0 down to beat hosts Morocco 3-2 in a dramatic final at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.
Morocco, who were hoping to win their first-ever WAFCON title, got off to a flying start on Saturday night. Ghizlane Chebbak opened the scoring in the 13th minute after the Super Falcons’ defense failed to clear their lines. Chebbak’s strike — her fifth of the tournament — earned her the Golden Boot award, thanks to a well-taken shot from outside the 18-yard box.
The Atlas Lionesses doubled their lead just eleven minutes later. Sanna Mssoudy finished off a flowing move at the far post after connecting with a low cross from Ibtissam Jraidi, putting the hosts 2-0 ahead. Despite Nigeria enjoying more possession in the first half, Morocco remained in control heading into the break.
Nigeria comes back
However, Nigeria came out a different side in the second half — more composed, urgent, and organised. Their pressure paid off in the 64th minute when Nouhaila Benzina was penalized for a handball inside the box. Esther Okoronkwo stepped up and calmly slotted home from the spot, sending goalkeeper Khadija Errmichi the wrong way to make it 2-1.
Moments later, Morocco thought they had the chance to restore their two-goal cushion when referee Antsino Twanyanyukwa awarded a penalty after Nigerian defender Oluwatosin Demehin handled the ball. However, after a VAR review, the decision was overturned — the handball was ruled unintentional due to natural body movement, a decision which the Moroccans will feel hard done by, as it appeared to be a handball.
The momentum shifted decisively in Nigeria’s favour. With just two minutes left of regular time, Okoronkwo floated in a free kick that substitute Jennifer Echegini guided into the net for the winner, silencing the home crowd and breaking Moroccan hearts.
Nigerian captain Rasheedat Ajibade was named Player of the Tournament after scoring four goals. The champion’s goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, claimed the Golden Glove, having conceded just two goals in open play throughout the competition.
In the third-place playoff, Ghana edged South Africa 4-3 on penalties. This was after a 1-1 draw on Friday to take home the bronze medal.
The WAFCON returns in 2026, with qualifiers set to kick off in October this year. The top four teams from that edition will earn direct qualification to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
