The 2022 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final witnessed a spectacular clash between the Super Falcons of Nigeria and the host nation, Morocco, at the vibrant Olympic Stadium in Rabat. The match unfolded as a dramatic narrative of contrasting fortunes, with Morocco dominating the first half and Nigeria staging a breathtaking comeback in the second to secure their historic tenth WAFCON title. The Atlas Lionesses, fueled by the roaring support of their home crowd, began the match with electrifying energy, quickly establishing a two-goal lead that stunned the Nigerian side. However, the Super Falcons, displaying the resilience and championship pedigree that has defined their dominance in African women’s football, rallied in the second half, scoring three unanswered goals to clinch a 3-2 victory and etch their names once again in the annals of the competition.
Morocco’s promising start materialized into a tangible advantage early in the game. Their captain, Ghizlane Chebbak, ignited the stadium with a stunning long-range strike in the 13th minute, sending the ball curling past the outstretched hands of Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. The Moroccan onslaught continued, and just eleven minutes later, Sanaâ Mssoudy doubled their lead, capitalizing on a precise pass from Ibtissam Jraidi to calmly slot the ball into the net. The home crowd erupted in jubilation as the Atlas Lionesses seemed poised to secure their maiden WAFCON title, leaving Nigeria with a daunting task ahead of them. The first half concluded with Morocco firmly in control, leaving Nigeria to ponder their strategy during the break.
The second half witnessed a remarkable transformation in the dynamics of the game. Coach Justin Madugu’s halftime pep talk seemed to inject renewed vigor into the Super Falcons, who emerged from the break with a palpable determination to turn the tide. Their resurgence began in the 64th minute when a VAR review awarded Nigeria a penalty for a handball by Nouhaila Benzina. Esther Okoronkwo stepped up to the spot and coolly converted the penalty, injecting a flicker of hope into the Nigerian camp. This pivotal moment signaled a shift in momentum, with the Super Falcons seizing control of the midfield and relentlessly pressing the Moroccan defense.
The equalizer arrived just seven minutes later, courtesy of a well-executed attack. Okoronkwo, now playing the role of provider, delivered a perfectly weighted pass to Folashade Ijamilusi, who unleashed a powerful left-footed strike into the bottom corner, leveling the score at 2-2. The match had now transformed into a thrilling end-to-end affair, with both teams vying for the decisive goal. As the clock ticked towards extra time, it was Nigeria who delivered the final blow. In the 88th minute, another set-piece orchestrated by Okoronkwo resulted in Jennifer Echegini finding herself in the perfect position to slot the ball home, completing the remarkable comeback and sending the Nigerian bench into raptures.
The final minutes were a tense affair, with Morocco desperately seeking an equalizer to keep their dreams alive. However, the resolute Nigerian defense held firm, repelling the Moroccan attacks and preserving their hard-fought lead. The final whistle blew, signaling the end of a captivating encounter and confirming Nigeria’s reign as the undisputed queens of African women’s football. The Moroccan players, despite their valiant efforts, were left heartbroken, their dreams of a historic home triumph dashed in the dying moments of the game.
The victory marked Nigeria’s tenth WAFCON title, a testament to their enduring dominance in the competition. Esther Okoronkwo, instrumental in the comeback, was deservedly named Player of the Match. Chiamaka Nnadozie was recognized as the Goalkeeper of the Tournament, while Moroccan captain Ghizlane Chebbak claimed the top scorer award. Rasheedat Ajibade, a consistent performer throughout the tournament, was crowned the Player of the Tournament, further solidifying Nigeria’s dominance. The Super Falcons not only claimed the coveted trophy and a $1 million prize but also sent a resounding message to their rivals – they remain the team to beat in African women’s football, a force to be reckoned with on the continental stage. Their victory was a testament to their resilience, tactical acumen, and unwavering belief in their abilities, even when faced with adversity.
