Nigeria mounted a stunning comeback from two goals down to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 and claim their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title on Saturday — extending their record as the continent’s most successful women’s team.
The thrilling final at Rabat’s Stade Olympique saw Esther Okoronkwo and Folashade Ijamilusi spark the turnaround, before substitute Jennifer Echegini sealed the victory with an 88th-minute winner.
Morocco had taken a surprise 2-0 lead within the opening 30 minutes, igniting hopes of becoming only the fourth nation to lift the continental trophy after Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, and South Africa. Captain Ghizlane Chebbak opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a powerful strike from the edge of the area, capitalizing on Nigeria’s failure to clear their lines. Sanaa Mssoudy added the second 12 minutes later, finishing coolly after a collision between Moroccan forward Ibtissam Jraidi and Nigerian defender Marvis Ohale left the ball loose in the box. Despite Nigerian protests, the goal stood.
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