Nigeria’s Super Falcons have clinched their record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in dramatic fashion, earning a $1 million reward after a sensational comeback victory over hosts Morocco.
In an electrifying final held at the packed Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, the Falcons overturned a 2-0 deficit to beat the Atlas Lionesses 3-2, sealing one of the most unforgettable moments in the competition’s history and capping their ambitious “Mission X” campaign, symbolising their quest for a 10th continental crown.
Morocco ignited early celebrations with Ghizlane Chebbak firing them ahead in the 8th minute.
Their advantage was doubled midway through the first half when Sanaâ Mssoudy found the net, sending the home crowd into raptures and leaving Nigeria with a mountain to climb by halftime.
But the Super Falcons roared back in the second half, fuelled by tactical brilliance from head coach Justin Madugu.
Key substitutions, introducing Rinsola Babajide and Jennifer Echegini, shifted momentum squarely in Nigeria’s favour.
Esther Okoronkwo sparked the revival from the penalty spot following a Moroccan handball.
Then, Opeyemi Ijamilusi calmly levelled the score with a composed finish, breathing new life into the contest.
With the game hanging in the balance, Echegini etched her name into Super Falcons folklore by scoring the winner, stunning the home crowd and sealing a momentous night for Nigeria.
For their triumph, the Super Falcons were rewarded with $1 million (over ₦1.5 billion), as the Confederation of African Football announced a 100% increase in prize money for the tournament winner.
CAF has also significantly boosted the overall prize pool for the 2024 edition, increasing it by 45% as part of its broader commitment to the growth of women’s football across Africa.
Meanwhile, CAF instructed that the Nigeria Football Federation give 30 percent of the money to the players.
CAF WAFCON 2024 Prize Money Breakdown:
Winner: $1,000,000
Runner-Up: $500,000
Third Place: $350,000
Fourth Place: $300,000
Quarter-Finalists (4 Teams): $200,000 each
Third in Group: $150,000
Fourth in Group (3 Teams): $125,000 each
The victory not only strengthens Nigeria’s reign as the undisputed queens of African women’s football but also showcases their incredible resilience, bouncing back under immense pressure to secure glory in enemy territory.
