Rabat: Nigeria produced a sensational second-half comeback to beat hosts Morocco 3-2 and seal a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title. The Atlas Lionesses led 2-0 at the break through Ghizlane Chebbak’s fine curling effort and a scuffed shot from Sanaa Mssoudy.

According to BBC, Esther Okoronkwo inspired the West Africans after the break, pulling a goal back from the penalty spot in the 64th minute after Nouhaila Benzina handled Folamide Ijamilusi’s cross. Okoronkwo then burst into the Morocco box and squared for Ijamilusi to equalize in the 71st minute, before setting up substitute Jennifer Echegini to score the winner with just two minutes remaining.

Nigeria had consistently expressed their intention to win their 10th Wafcon, a goal they achieved through their performances in Morocco this month under coach Justin Madugu. Despite a poor start, unable to match Morocco’s level in the first half, Nigeria’s players delivered when it mattered most.

The North Africans initially took the lead in the 13th minute with Chebbak’s precise shot and doubled their lead when Mssoudy scored across the goal. Okoronkwo’s composure was evident after a VAR intervention allowed her to make it 2-1 from the spot, and she continued to play a crucial role in Nigeria’s late goals.

Another pivotal moment occurred when Morocco was awarded a penalty in the 79th minute, only for referee Antsino Twanyanyukwa to overturn the decision after consulting the VAR screen. The comeback was completed when Okoronkwo delivered a precise free-kick, enabling Echegini to score from close range.

Nigeria’s victory marks the third time they have defeated a host nation in a Wafcon final, following victories over South Africa and Cameroon in 2000 and 2016, respectively. Despite Morocco’s significant investment in football, with backing from King Mohammed VI, their wait for a major trophy continues.

Morocco, having been beaten by South Africa in the 2022 final, brought in coach Jorge Vilda following his exit from Spain. While Vilda has refined elements of Morocco’s play, they have often had to come from behind in matches and relied on penalties to progress.

As Morocco looks to rebuild before hosting the 2026 edition of Wafcon, Chebbak will have to settle for the golden boot after scoring five goals in the tournament. Her ambitions to emulate her father, Larbi, an Africa Cup of Nations winner with Morocco in 1976, remain unfulfilled, as her chances to create family history diminish with her advancing age.