In a heartbreaking turn of events at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, host nation Morocco saw their dreams of a first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title slip away in the final minutes as Nigeria secured a dramatic 3-2 victory on Saturday.
The Atlas Lionesses had put themselves in a commanding position with a brilliant first-half display, taking a deserved 2-0 lead through goals from captain Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaâ Mssoudy. However, the nine-time champions Nigeria mounted a remarkable comeback in the second half to claim their tenth continental crown.
Morocco started the match with intensity and purpose, delighting the home crowd when Chebbak thundered them into the lead in the 13th minute with a powerful strike from the edge of the box that flew across the Nigerian goalkeeper.
The hosts doubled their advantage in the 24th minute through Mssoudy, who showed excellent footwork on the left side of the penalty area before drilling a low, left-footed shot into the far corner.
The first half belonged entirely to Morocco, who dominated proceedings and went into the break with a comfortable two-goal cushion. Nigeria, despite enjoying 56.9% possession, managed just two shots with only one weak effort on target.
The tide began to turn in the second half as Nigeria came out with renewed determination. The Super Falcons were handed a lifeline in the 63rd minute when they were awarded a controversial penalty.
The decision came after Ijamilusi hooked the ball back, striking the arm of Benzina, despite it being close to her body. Okoronkwo converted coolly, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
Morocco was clearly wronged by the refereeing and denied a deserved penalty kick. In the 79th minute, the referee initially awarded Morocco a penalty for handball following a corner, but after a VAR review, the decision was overturned in what appeared to be one of several serious refereeing errors against the host nation.
Nigeria capitalized on this momentum swing, equalizing in the 71st minute when Okoronkwo burst down the right and squared for Ijamilusi to tap home from close range.
The crushing blow came in the 88th minute when Nigeria’s Echegini poked home from a deep free-kick to complete what their coach had called “Mission X” – winning a tenth WAFCON title.
Despite a valiant effort from Morocco, who were seeking to make history on home soil, it was Nigeria who once again proved their dominance in African women’s football.
The victory earned the Super Falcons the increased prize money of $1 million, part of the tournament’s enhanced $3.475 million prize pot that CAF had increased by 45% for this edition.
The match was attended by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Patrice Motsepe, who witnessed a final that showcased the growing quality of women’s football on the continent.
For Morocco, this defeat will be hard to take, especially given their impressive run to the final where they overcame Ghana in a penalty shootout in the semifinals. Nigeria’s path to the final included a 2-1 victory over defending champions South Africa.
As the tournament concludes, Nigeria’s record extends to ten WAFCON titles, while Morocco must regroup and look to build on their impressive showing as hosts of the 2025 edition.
