Jennifer Echegini says her dramatic match-winning goal in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final will remain a career-defining moment after helping Nigeria secure a record-extending 10th continental title with a 3-2 victory over hosts Morocco in Rabat. The 24-year-old midfielder struck in the 88th minute, converting Esther Okoronkwo’s free-kick to complete a remarkable second-half turnaround at the 21,000-capacity Olympic Stadium.
“This moment will stay with me forever,” Echegini told the BBC World Service. “If I ever doubt myself as a player, I will think of this to encourage me. It’s my first trophy, so it will always have a special place in my heart.”
Nigeria’s triumph, dubbed Mission X, looked unlikely at halftime after Morocco surged 2-0 ahead through Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy. But the Super Falcons showcased trademark resilience as Okoronkwo sparked the comeback with a penalty before providing two decisive assists, including the winner for Echegini.
“We had nothing to lose at halftime. It was either play with fear and lose or give everything and fight,” Echegini said. “We chose to fight, and we were rewarded.”
President Bola Tinubu praised the team in a post-match video call, calling their performance “spectacular” and a true display of “the determination that defines the Nigerian spirit.” He added, “You have lifted our spirits and made the nation proud. Nigeria celebrates you.”
Okoronkwo, who ended the tournament with two goals and six assists, described the approach after the break as “all or nothing,” while former Super Falcon and four-time WAFCON winner Desire Oparanozie hailed the team’s “mentality of champions.”
For Morocco, the defeat marked a second consecutive loss in a WAFCON final on home soil despite hiring 2023 Women’s World Cup-winning coach Jorge Vilda to deliver their first title. Atlas Lionesses forward Sakina Ouzraoui vowed the team would come back stronger ahead of the 2026 edition, also set to be hosted in Morocco.
Nigeria’s 10th title cements their dominance in African women’s football, having won every WAFCON final they have contested. The victory not only underscores the Super Falcons’ legendary status but also highlights the rising quality and competitiveness of women’s football across the continent.
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