6 takeaways as Super Falcons produce comeback of the century to lift 10th WAFCON title
Nigeria’s Super Falcons are the new champions of Africa after beating Morocco 3-2 in Rabat to clinch a record-extending 10th Women Africa Cup of Nations title.
What unfolded under the Saturday night lights of Rabat’s Olympic Stadium was a seismic moment in the history of African women’s football.
The Super Falcons, backed into a corner and staring defeat in the face, clawed their way out of a 2-0 deficit to secure a breathtaking 3-2 win over hosts Morocco and clinch the WAFCON 2024 trophy.
The final was dripping with drama: five goals, VAR controversy, history-making moments, and a comeback for the ages. While the Lionesses of Atlas threatened to take the crown on home soil, Nigeria — battered but unbroken — responded with the heart of champions. What followed was 90 minutes of passion, poise, and pure Nigerian grit.
From individual brilliance to collective resilience, here are six unforgettable takeaways from a final that will live forever in African football folklore.
1. The Super Falcons Are Africa’s Best Again
After three years without their continental crown, the Super Falcons reclaimed their place at the summit of African women’s football in the most dramatic fashion imaginable.
New African champions, Nigeria’s Super Falcons
For much of the WAFCON 2024 final in Rabat, it looked like Morocco would finally etch their name into the history books. But Nigeria had other ideas.
The Lionesses of Atlas surged to a 2-0 lead within the opening 25 minutes, with goals from Ghizlane Chebbak and Mssoudy threatening to send the Falcons into a nightmarish repeat of 2022, when they lost their semifinal clash against the Atlas Lionesses. But the final whistle told a different story: Nigeria 3, Morocco 2.
New African champions, Nigeria’s Super Falcons
More than just a comeback, this was a coronation. The Falcons reminded the world why they are the undisputed queens of African football.
2. The Nigerian Never-Say-Die Spirit on Display
No team had ever come back from two goals down to win a WAFCON final… until now. What the Falcons pulled off in Rabat was not only unprecedented, it was deeply emblematic of Nigeria’s resilient footballing DNA.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons [Photo credit/IMAGO]
After falling behind early and looking rattled, the Falcons dug deep. Instead of panicking, Nigeria stuck to their principles and played their way back into the contest.
Esther Okoronkwo’s nerveless penalty just after the hour mark gave the team a lifeline. The equaliser, orchestrated again by Okoronkwo and finished by Folashade Ijamilusi, showed tactical clarity and mental resolve.
The winning goal? That was pure heart. A late free-kick, an inch-perfect delivery, and Jennifer Echegini’s sublime half volley, all in the 88th minute.
Nigeria and PSG star Jennifer Echegini (17). Photo by IMAGO
It was a masterclass in mental strength, courage, and belief. If you wanted to bottle the Nigerian spirit, this final would be your blueprint.
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3. Esther Okoronkwo Is Whoever She Thinks She Is
Call it confidence, swagger, or sheer brilliance, Esther Okoronkwo delivered a performance that will be remembered for decades. The 27-year-old forward was influential, pivotal and majestic.
Super Falcons star Esther Okoronkwo. Photo by IMAGO
With Nigeria in chaos and their talismanic captain Rasheedat Ajibade hesitant to step up, Okoronkwo took charge. She buried the penalty to kickstart the revival, then turned provider for both the equaliser and the winner. In a final of such magnitude, her composure, vision, and technical quality stood out.
One goal, two assists, and an immeasurable influence in a final, Okoronkwo stamped her name in WAFCON folklore.
Nigerian stars Esther Okoronkwo (l) and Michelle Alozie
Her performances throughout the tournament have been elite, but this was her crowning moment. As the pressure mounted, she rose higher. The Falcons found their rhythm through her feet, and the trophy came home because of her brilliance.
4. Record Makers and World Breakers
With this victory, Nigeria have not only won a memorable trophy, the Falcons have also shattered a global record.
The Super Falcons became the first women’s national team in the world to win a continental title ten times — more than the United States (9 in CONCACAF) and China (9 in AFC).
That’s no small feat. It reflects decades of dominance and consistency, even amid structural and administrative challenges. From the Florence Omagbemis and Mercy Akides of the past to the new wave led by Ajibade and Okoronkwo, Nigeria’s women continue to write history with every generation.
This tenth is a clear message to the world that Nigeria’s women’s football legacy isn’t fading; it’s evolving and expanding.
5. VAR Drama But Falcons Hold Nerve
WAFCON 2024 will be remembered as the tournament that fully embraced VAR — and the final was no exception.
The Falcons benefitted from one key VAR call when Ijamilusi’s shot struck a Moroccan arm in the box, leading to Nigeria’s first goal.
Photo by IMAGO
Later, Morocco thought they had earned a penalty of their own, but replays — and VAR — said otherwise. For a team that had previously been rattled by officiating decisions, Nigeria handled the pressure well. The players remained focused and let their football do the talking.
In a tournament where decisions were often as dramatic as the football itself, the Super Falcons showed maturity under scrutiny. That emotional control made all the difference in a rollercoaster final.
6. Morocco’s Pain, Nigeria’s Gain
For the second WAFCON in a row, Morocco hosted the final — and for the second time, they lost it. The home crowd was electric. The early goals sent Rabat into raptures. But the silence at full-time said everything.
Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses
Morocco have invested heavily in women’s football and deserve credit for reaching consecutive finals. But they came up against a team with pedigree, grit, and a higher ceiling. Credit to Morocco; the Super Falcons only beat them by snatching glory from the jaws of defeat.
The Atlas Lionesses will be African champions someday and that day us nit very far away.
