Super Falcons head coach, Justin Madugu, has attributed his team’s incredible 3-2 comeback win over hosts Morocco in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final to their unwavering mental resilience and strict tactical adherence.
In an electrifying final staged at the jam-packed Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Saturday night, Nigeria clawed back from a two-goal halftime deficit to snatch victory and secure a record-extending 10th continental title, cementing their place as Africa’s most successful women’s side.
Madugu, who was also honoured as Coach of the Tournament, lauded the character of his players, highlighting their resolve when things looked bleak at the break.
“If they didn’t have mental resilience, they would have given up,” Madugu said after the final whistle. “But they kept believing and they earned this victory.”
According to the 61-year-old tactician, a crucial dressing room discussion at halftime changed the trajectory of the game.
“We did a lot of talking at halftime,” he said.
“We had a game plan, but what we wanted to avoid led to two goals (against us), and we had to make the changes we made.”
Okoronkwo Leads the Charge
The comeback was powered by a standout performance from Esther Okoronkwo, who coolly converted a penalty in the 64th minute before providing the assists for Nigeria’s second and third goals.
Her influential display earned her the Woman of the Match accolade.
“I am very happy to be a champion. The first-half goals were unfortunate. It happens in football,” said the 27-year-old striker.
“When we went to the locker room, we gathered the fighting spirit, because it was all or nothing. The Moroccan team has chemistry; they were a tough team.”
Okoronkwo delivered the perfect cross for Folashade Ijamilusi’s 71st-minute equaliser before threading the decisive pass to substitute Jennifer Echegini, who calmly finished in the 88th minute to seal the epic turnaround.
A Road Paved with Grit
Nigeria’s route to glory was anything but smooth. After topping their group with a commanding win over Tunisia, a narrow victory against Botswana, and a goalless draw with Algeria, the Super Falcons found another gear in the knockout rounds.
They cruised past Zambia in the quarter-final and edged a fiercely contested semi-final against South Africa, a match that set the stage for a final showdown with Morocco, the same side that ended Nigeria’s hopes in the 2022 semi-final.
This time around, Madugu and his team came prepared, blocking out the noise of a partisan home crowd and delivering a display of heart and heritage that will live long in African football folklore.
The victory not only crowns Nigeria as WAFCON champions once again but also reinforces their reign as the queens of African football with a historic 10th title.
