Esther Okoronkwo emerged Woman of the Match after an electrifying performance helped Nigeria overcome hosts Morocco in a dramatic 3-2 comeback win to secure the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations crown.
At the impressive Olympic Stadium in Rabat, the Super Falcons staged a stunning rally from two goals down, with Okoronkwo playing a central role—scoring once and providing two vital assists.
The AFC Toronto star kick-started Nigeria’s resurgence with a calmly taken penalty in the 64th minute, reducing the deficit to 2-1.
Seven minutes later, she turned provider, setting up Folashade Ijamilusi for the equaliser.
Her decisive moment came late in the match when a perfectly delivered cross from the 27-year-old was met by substitute Jennifer Echegini, who tucked home the winner, sealing Nigeria’s dramatic victory.
The Super Falcons’ triumph was further underlined by a clean sweep of individual honours at the WAFCON 2024 finals.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who had claimed three Player of the Match awards en route to the final, was named Woman of the Tournament.
Teammate Chiamaka Nnadozie, 24, earned the Best Goalkeeper award, having kept four clean sheets throughout the competition.
The shot-stopper recently completed a move to English Women’s Super League side Brighton.
Head coach Justine Madugu was honoured as Coach of the Tournament, having steered Nigeria to a record-extending 10th WAFCON title.
Meanwhile, Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak finished as the competition’s Top Scorer with five goals, and South Africa’s Banyana Banyana clinched the Fair Play Award.
