2024 Women's AFCON: Nigeria stages comeback against Morocco to clinch 10th title
Trailing by two goals, the Super Falcons turn the tables on the Atlas Lionesses to claim a tenth continental crown
2024 Women's AFCON: Nigeria stages comeback against Morocco to clinch 10th title
Nigeria's Super Falcons captured their tenth continental title in the 2024 Women's AFCON final on Saturday, July 26, at Rabat's Olympic Stadium. Facing host nation Morocco's Atlas Lionesses, the Nigerians pulled off a stunning comeback after trailing 2-0 at halftime.
The Olympic Stadium in Rabat set the stage for a highly anticipated final between Morocco and Nigeria. The Atlas Lionesses, in pursuit of their first-ever continental crown, faced the daunting task of toppling the Super Falcons' dominance, as Nigeria entered the clash boasting nine titles.
Morocco starts strong and stuns Nigeria
The 2024 Women's AFCON final kicked off at a blistering pace with a confident Moroccan side. By the 12th minute, Ghizlane Chebbak unleashed a long-range strike that found the bottom left corner.
The Lionesses doubled their lead just twelve minutes later through Sanaâ Mssoudy, expertly set up by Ibtissam Jraïdi after a swift move in the box. The Nigerian side looked rattled, unable to contain the relentless Moroccan attacks. With a two-goal cushion at halftime, Jorge Vilda's squad seemed destined to fulfill their dream of a maiden continental triumph.
Super Falcons awaken: 10 finals, 10 titles
After the break, Nigeria tightened up and took the initiative. In the 60th minute, a penalty was awarded following a handball by Nouhaila Benzina. Esther Okoronkwo held her nerve and pulled one back for her side. Ten minutes later, she turned provider, setting up Folashade Ijamilusi who leveled the score with a clinical cross-shot. Nigeria drew level at 2-2 and kept the pressure on.
As regulation time wound down and Morocco began to tire, the Super Falcons kept up the intensity. In the 88th minute, Okoronkwo, once again, threaded a pass through to Joe Echegini, who finished calmly. That third goal sealed the outcome of a breathless final. Nigeria clinched their tenth continental crown in dramatic fashion, shattering the Atlas Lionesses' dream of a historic first title.
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