Nigeria’s Super Falcons sealed their place in African football history once again by claiming their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title after a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over hosts Morocco in the 2024 final.
The win capped off a stellar campaign for Coach Justin Madugu’s side, who played six matches, won five, and drew just once to complete what the team dubbed “Mission X.”
Here’s a match-by-match breakdown of how Nigeria reclaimed their continental crown:
Group Stage
Nigeria 3-0 Tunisia
Oshoala, Babajide, and Ihezuo scored to give Nigeria a flying start in Group B.
Botswana 0-1 Nigeria
Chinwendu Ihezuo netted a late winner in the 89th minute to secure qualification to the knockouts.
Nigeria 0-0 Algeria
With qualification assured, Nigeria rotated heavily and were held to a goalless draw by a resilient Algerian side.
Knockout Stage
Quarter-final: Nigeria 5-0 Zambia
The Falcons dismantled Zambia with goals from Ohale, Okoronkwo, Ihezuo, Demehin, and Ijamilusi.
Semi-final: Nigeria 2-1 South Africa
Rasheedat Ajibade opened scoring just before halftime; South Africa equalised in the 60th minute, but Michelle Alozie sealed the win in stoppage time with a long cross that flew straight into the net.
Final: Nigeria 3-2 Morocco
Morocco took an early 2-0 lead through Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy in the first 25 minutes, stunning the Super Falcons and their supporters in Rabat.
But Nigeria roared back in the second half:
- 64’ – Esther Okoronkwo converted from the penalty spot.
- 71’ – Florence Ijamilusi equalised from close range after a brilliant assist from Okoronkwo.
- 88’ – Jennifer Echegini completed the comeback with a sublime finish off an Okoronkwo free kick.
A Record Cemented
With the win, Nigeria not only extended their unmatched dominance in African women’s football but also maintained a perfect record in WAFCON finals, having won all ten they’ve appeared in. The Super Falcons have now lifted the trophy in all but three editions: 2008, 2012, and 2020.
Their triumph in Morocco silenced the home crowd and handed the Atlas Lionesses a second straight heartbreak in the final on home soil.
Nigeria’s latest victory reaffirms their status as queens of African football.
