By : Peace Udugba.
Nigeria Clinch 10th WAFCON Title, ‘Mission X’, After Thrilling 3-2 Comeback Win Over Morocco in Rabat.
The match, played at a fully packed Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, witnessed high drama as the Falcons overcame a two-goal deficit to stun the home crowd and reclaim continental glory.
Morocco had taken a shock 2–0 lead in the first half, capitalising on defensive lapses to put Nigeria under immense pressure. But the Super Falcons showed their trademark resilience and experience, storming back in the second half with three unanswered goals.
Esther Okoronkwo played a key role in the Super Falcons’ victory: scoring the first goal, creating the second and delivering the free-kick that Echegini finished to stun the home crowd.
Morocco, backed by a vibrant capacity crowd at the 21,000-seat Stade Olympique in the capital, took the lead on 12 minutes as Nigeria conceded for the first time in open play at the tournament.
Nigeria fluffed several chances to clear the ball, and it fell just outside the area to Chebbak, whose perfectly placed, rising shot gave goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie no chance
Esther Okoronkwo sparked the comeback with a composed penalty, before substitute Chidinma Okoronkwo leveled the score with a stunning strike. The turnaround was completed when Ijamilusi scored the winner, sending Nigerian fans into raptures and silencing the Moroccan side.
Nigeria had come into the final as nine-time champions, eager to achieve their long-awaited “Mission X” winning a record 10th WAFCON title.
Despite earlier doubts and stiff opposition throughout the tournament, the Falcons remained unbeaten and displayed unmatched character when it mattered most.
