by Nigeria organized a remarkable fight against two goals to defeat host Morocco with 3-2 and win her 10th women Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) on Saturday.
The triumph of the Super Falcons in Rabat confirmed the West Africans as the queens of women’s football in Africa when they achieved a record -proof 10th title in 13 editions.
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Thanks to Skipper Ghizlane Chebbaks, Moroccos Atlas Lions led fine curling efforts and a shot from Dribbling Wing player Sanaa Mssoudy 2-0.
But the West Africans dominated in the second half, and Esther Okoronkwo and Folashade Ijamilusi led the fight in Rabat’s Stade Olympique.
Okoronkwo scored a goal from the penalty point in the 64th minute and then set up to compensate for Ijamilusi in the 71st minute.
Morocco received a penalty at 10 minutes in a controversial handball call, but it was lifted after the referee was asked for checking.
The home team was then caught when the replacement Jennifer Echgeni scored the winner just two minutes before the game.
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Morocco -skipper Chebbak tells of pride to change the perception of cup of nations
“Unimjectionable Nigerian Spirit”
Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, congratulated the Super Falcons on their “pioneering victory”.
“It is not just a different trophy; it is proof of her hard work, her consistency and the indomitable Nigerian spirit. We thank God for this sweet victory,” she said in a message forwarded by the voice.
“You have once again consolidated the pride of our dear nation, Nigeria, and their place as queens of African football. In the name of Nigerian women and the whole nation, thank you for making us proud.”
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Nigeria has now won 10 of the 13 editions of the tournament and restored its continental dominance after having held the title in South Africa in the last issue in 2022.
Magaias Klamm
Ghana in third place
Ghana finished third on Friday and won a penalty shot against the outgoing champion South Africa after a 1-1 play-off difference in the regular time in Casablanca.
The victory was particularly cute for the black queens because they were lost 2-0 in the group phase when they were lost 2-0 against Banyana Banyana.
Ghana won the four third place play-offs for which they qualified, while South Africa lost four out of five bronze medal games.
The next WAFCON is planned for March 2026, also in Morocco and will serve as a qualifying competition for the Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
(with newswirres)
