July 27, (THEWILL) — President Bola Tinubu has applauded the Super Falcons, following their dramatic 3-2 victory in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), describing the result as a source of national celebration.
In a post-match video call with team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, her teammates and Nigerian officials on Sunday, President Tinubu congratulated the team on securing a record 10th continental title and lifting the nation’s spirits, stating that he eagerly looks forward to receiving the trophy in Abuja.
The President commended the team for winning a record-extending 10th continental title and said their achievement had lifted the mood of the nation.
“I am very, very proud of you. The entire nation is proud of you. You have lifted our spirits. You are a pride to your generation and we are all very happy. You will be celebrated. I congratulate all the coaches and management of the team, including the ministers and the officials,” the President told the players. Tinubu also acknowledged the efforts of the coaching staff, team management, and officials involved in the successful campaign.
Ajibade, who won both the Most Valuable Player and Woman of the Tournament awards, received special mention from the President. He also singled out Esther Okoronkwo for praise after her performance in the final. Tinubu referred to her composure during the 64th-minute penalty, which sparked Nigeria’s comeback, and her involvement in the decisive third goal. Okoronkwo created the second goal and delivered the decisive free-kick that Jennifer Echegini converted to seal Nigeria’s 3-2 victory.
‘‘Safe journey home, enjoy yourselves, avoid injuries, God bless you,’’ the President told the jubilant players and officials, who repeatedly interjected with ‘’Thank you, Mr President!’’
Ajibade responded on behalf of the team, thanking the President for approving the full payment of players’ allowances and confirming that the squad was eager to bring the trophy to him in the capital. She described the call as a morale booster for the players following their taxing effort in the final match.
The exchange ended with a spirited rendition of the national anthem by the players and three rousing “Gbosa!” chants in appreciation of the President’s support. The Nigeria Football Federation is expected to confirm arrangements for the official trophy presentation ceremony in Abuja in the coming days.
In the enthralling encounter, Nigeria’s Super Falcons staged a remarkable second-half comeback to defeat Morocco 3-2 in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final on Saturday night at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.
Trailing 2-0 after first-half goals from Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy, the Falcons fought back with three unanswered strikes to secure their record-extending 10th continental title.
The victory marked a triumphant return to the summit of African women’s football for Nigeria, which had last won the tournament in 2018.
Morocco appeared in control early, with Chebbak’s 13th-minute strike from the edge of the box setting the tone. Mssoudy doubled the lead in the 24th minute, capitalising on a loose ball to slot home a low finish.
Nigeria struggled to create clear chances before half-time, leaving the hosts firmly in command. However, a tactical shift and second-half substitutions revitalised the Falcons, who intensified their attacking pressure after the break.
The turning point came in the 63rd minute when a VAR review awarded Nigeria a penalty for hand ball against Nouhaila Benzina. Esther Okoronkwo converted calmly, reducing the deficit to 2-1.
Eight minutes later, Okoronkwo turned provider, setting up Folashade Ijamilusi for a close-range equaliser. Morocco nearly regained the lead with a penalty of their own, but the decision was overturned after another VAR intervention, much to the dismay of the home crowd.
The decisive moment arrived in the 88th minute when substitute Jennifer Echegini met Okoronkwo’s free-kick with a clinical finish, sealing a dramatic 3-2 victory.
The goal sparked celebrations among the Nigerian players, who had overturned a two-goal deficit for the first time in a WAFCON final. Morocco, meanwhile, suffered heartbreak for the second consecutive home final after their 2022 loss to South Africa.
With this victory, Nigeria reaffirmed its dominance in African women’s football, completing its self-styled ‘Mission X’—a 10th WAFCON triumph.
The Super Falcons now shift focus to next year’s Women’s World Cup, where they will aim to translate continental success onto the global stage.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
