The atmosphere in Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium was electric. The final whistle blew, signaling the end of a thrilling encounter between the Super Falcons of Nigeria and the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final. The scoreline read 3-2 in favor of Nigeria, marking their tenth continental title, a testament to their enduring dominance in African women’s football. The Nigerian team, led by their inspirational forward, Esther Okoronkwo, had staged a remarkable comeback, overturning a two-goal deficit to clinch victory in front of a stunned home crowd. The jubilant scenes that followed captured the essence of their triumph, a blend of relief, elation, and unwavering belief in their abilities.
The first half of the match had belonged to Morocco. Playing with the backing of a passionate home crowd, they capitalised on defensive lapses by the Nigerian team, creating opportunities and converting two of them into goals. The Super Falcons, appearing disjointed and struggling to find their rhythm, went into the half-time break facing a daunting uphill battle. The Moroccan team, displaying impressive tactical acumen and a strong team spirit, appeared poised to secure their first-ever WAFCON title on home soil.
However, the break proved to be a turning point for the Super Falcons. The locker room discussions ignited a spark, reigniting their belief and rekindling their fighting spirit. Esther Okoronkwo, who emerged as the catalyst for their resurgence, recounted the half-time atmosphere, emphasizing the collective determination to turn the tide. “It was like all or nothing,” she stated, highlighting the team’s understanding of the stakes and their commitment to achieving victory. The team emerged for the second half transformed, displaying a renewed sense of purpose and a hunger for goals.
The second half unfolded dramatically, with the Super Falcons mounting a relentless assault on the Moroccan defense. Okoronkwo, at the heart of every attacking move, spearheaded their comeback. In the 60th minute, she calmly converted a penalty, injecting hope and belief into the Nigerian team and their supporters. Ten minutes later, her perfectly weighted assist found Folashade Ijamilusi, who equalized, sending the Nigerian contingent into raptures. The momentum had decisively shifted.
The final minutes were tense, with both teams vying for the winning goal. In the 88th minute, Okoronkwo delivered a sublime free-kick that Jennifer Echegini expertly directed into the net, sparking scenes of jubilation amongst the Nigerian players and fans. The Moroccan team, visibly deflated, fought valiantly to find an equalizer, but the Nigerian defense held firm, securing their historic tenth WAFCON title.
Reflecting on the match, Okoronkwo acknowledged the strength of the Moroccan team, praising their tactical organization and strong team chemistry. She admitted that Morocco had played exceptionally well, especially in the first half, demonstrating why they had reached the final. However, she emphasized the Super Falcons’ unwavering belief in their ability to overcome the deficit, highlighting their mental fortitude and resilience. She also expressed satisfaction with the officiating, praising the use of VAR, particularly regarding a first-half penalty decision that was overturned after review.
Okoronkwo’s performance in the final was a culmination of her exceptional contributions throughout the tournament. Her impact, both in terms of goals and assists, had been instrumental in Nigeria’s progress to the final. Her performance in the quarter-final against Zambia, where she scored once and assisted twice, was a testament to her ability to influence games decisively. Playing for AFC Toronto in the Canadian Northern Super League, Okoronkwo’s experience and skill were evident throughout the tournament. Her inspiring performances, particularly in the final, highlighted her leadership qualities and her ability to galvanize her teammates, fostering a strong sense of collective belief and determination. The victory, as Okoronkwo eloquently put it, was a testament to their spirit, their shared vision, and their unwavering pursuit of their goal – the WAFCON title. The Super Falcons’ triumph, achieved against the odds, resonated deeply within Nigeria, igniting celebrations and reaffirming their status as a powerhouse of African women’s football. The victory served as a testament to their resilience, their unwavering belief in their abilities, and their collective determination to achieve greatness.
