Nigeria are Women’s African Cup of Nations champions for a record extending tenth time after a stunning comeback victory over hosts Morocco in Rabat.
After falling 2-0 down by half time, the Super Falcon’s soared back in the second half. Goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi and Jennifer Echegini were enough to complete the comeback and shock the hosts.
Over a year after the tournament was originally slated to hold it’s finale the 2024 edition of the Women’s African Cup of Nations came to a dramatic conclusion on Saturday night. On a mild summer evening in Rabat, Morocco dreamt of their first ever Women’s African Cup of Nation’s trophy while their opponents looked to secure their record extending tenth.
Morocco made one change from the side that snuck past Ghana on penalties in the semi final with Élodie Nakkach dropping to the bench. Najat Badri came into the starting line up in place of the Al Ahli midfielder after having started the four previous matches leading up to the semi final. Fatima Tagnaout remained side lined with a foot injury.
Nigeria on the other hand had ousted the defending champions South Africa from the tournament in the semi final. That was thanks to a 94th minute goal from Michelle Alozie of Houston Dash. Justine Madugu made one change from that victorious side with Jennifer Echegini of PSG on the bench and 21 year old Deborah Abiodun trusted to start in her place.The eyebrow raising decision to omit Asisat Oshoala from the starting line up would once again steal the pre match headlines for Nigeria.
These two have history at the tournament, with Morocco knocking Nigeria out of the 2022 edition on penalties in the semi final. Nigeria were out for revenge.
The Line ups
MOR: Er-Rmichi, Aït El Haj, Benzina, Rabbah, Redouani, Mrabet, Ghebbak, Badri, Mssoudy, Ouzraoui, Jraïdi
NIG: Nnadozie, Alozie, Ohale, Demehin, Plumptre, Ayinde, Abiodun, Ijamilusi, Ajibade, Ihezuo, Okoronkwo
