The atmosphere at the 21,000-capacity stadium was electric, with a passionate Moroccan crowd cheering on their Atlas Lionesses, who were aiming for their first-ever WAFCON crown on home soil. The hosts started brightly, taking a commanding 2-0 lead into halftime thanks to goals from captain Ghizlane Chebbak in the 13th minute and Sanaâ Mssoudy in the 24th minute, leaving the Super Falcons with a significant challenge.
However, Nigeria, known for their resilience and fighting spirit, emerged from the break with renewed determination. Their relentless pressure paid off in the 64th minute when Esther Okoronkwo calmly converted a penalty awarded after a VAR review for a handball, pulling one back for the Super Falcons.
The momentum firmly shifted in Nigeria's favor. Just seven minutes later, in the 71st minute, Okoronkwo turned provider, setting up Folashade Ijamilusi to slot home the equalizer, sending the Nigerian bench and travelling fans into a frenzy.
For Morocco, it was a heartbreaking end to an otherwise impressive tournament, marking their second consecutive WAFCON final loss after falling to South Africa in 2022. Despite their spirited performance and the incredible support from their home crowd, they were unable to hold off the relentless Super Falcons.
This historic win further cements Nigeria's legacy in African women's football and showcases their enduring quality and mental fortitude. The Super Falcons' journey to this title has been a testament to their unwavering belief and strategic execution under the guidance of Coach Justin Madugu.
Earlier on Friday, Ghana secured the bronze medal by defeating South Africa in the third-place match, adding to the tournament's memorable moments.
