Super Falcons of Nigeria completed a dramatic comeback win over host Morocco to seal their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.
The Super Falcons put up a commanding and dominant second half performance to complete a pulsating turnaround over the Atlas Lionesses.
Substitute Jennifer Echegini came off the bench to score the winning goal from a sublime Esther Okoronkwo’s free-kick into the box
The Super Falcons started the tie on the backfoot as they fell to a two-goal deficit within the half hour.
Captain of the side Ghizlane Cheebak put the host ahead as she took as advantage of a loss ball and buried a well-placed shot beyond Chiamaka Nnadozie.
The Super Falcons struggled to win second balls and with the pace of the Moroccans.
Consequently, Sanaa Mssoudy beat Michelle Alozie in the box before slotting the ball into the back of the net to double the lead.
Nigeria started the second half with better momentum and organization than the first and got back into the tie Aston enough.
Esther Okoronkwo converted a penalty in the 64th minute to halve the deficit. The 28-year-old forward calmly placed the ball down the middle to ignite a comeback.
Moments later, Okoronkwo’s sheer skill and resilence paid off as she made drove the ball into the box before laying a pass to Folashade Ijamilusi who smashed it to level the score line.
With 10 minutes left, the video assistant referee reversed the referee’s decision to award the host a penalty after the ball struck Oluwatosin Demehin’s hand in the box.
Substitute, Jennifer Echegini got the end of Esther Okoronkwo’s free-kick into the box to seal the winner in the 88th minute.
The goal sealed Super Falcons 10th WAFCON title after a pulsating 3-2 win over Morocco in Rabat.
Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament while Esther Okoronkwo claimed the “Women of the Match” award with a goal and two assists in the final.
