Rabat, Morocco – July 27, 2025 – Nigeria’s star forward Esther Okoronkwo has expressed heartfelt joy and pride after helping the Super Falcons secure a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over hosts Morocco in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), held on Saturday night at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.
The 27-year-old AFC Toronto striker was instrumental in Nigeria’s thrilling win, scoring one goal and providing two vital assists that ensured the Super Falcons lifted their record-extending 10th WAFCON title. Her outstanding performance earned her the Woman of the Match award as she proved decisive in turning the tide of the contest in favour of the West African giants.
Speaking after the match, an elated Okoronkwo described the triumph as one of the most fulfilling moments of her football career.
“I am very happy to be a champion. The first-half goals were unfortunate. It happens in football. When we went to the locker room, we gathered the fighting spirit because it was all or nothing,” she said.
“The Moroccan team has chemistry. They were a tough team to break, but we remained united, believed in ourselves, and fought our way back.”
A Night of Redemption and Resilience
The Super Falcons found themselves trailing 2-0 in the first half following quick-fire goals from Moroccan stars Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy. The stadium, packed with tens of thousands of Moroccan supporters, erupted in celebration as it appeared the hosts were on course to claim their first WAFCON title.
But Nigeria, renowned for their dominance in African women’s football, had other ideas.
Esther Okoronkwo sparked the comeback by calmly converting a penalty to bring Nigeria back into the game early in the second half. Just minutes later, she turned provider, delivering a precise cross that was confidently slotted home by Folashade Ijamilusi to level the scores at 2-2.
With the momentum now fully in Nigeria’s favour, substitute Jennifer Echegini sealed the remarkable turnaround with a powerful header in the dying minutes of the match, connecting beautifully with a set-piece delivery to send the Nigerian bench and fans into jubilant scenes.
Okoronkwo’s Tournament Stats and Breakthrough
Okoronkwo finished the tournament with two goals and a tournament-high six assists, showcasing her all-round attacking prowess and cementing her status as one of Africa’s premier forwards. For the AFC Toronto forward, this title marks her first major silverware with the national team and underlines her growing importance to Nigeria’s women’s football renaissance.
Her vision, pace, and intelligence in the final third were evident throughout the tournament, and her contributions have drawn praise from fans and pundits alike.
A Message of Sportsmanship
Despite the intensity of the final, Okoronkwo made a point to praise the Moroccan side for their performance and team spirit.
“The Moroccan team played with heart. They have good chemistry and made it difficult for us. But I believe we showed what Nigerian football is made of — fighting spirit, resilience, and unity,” she said.
Morocco, who were playing in front of a home crowd and had impressed throughout the tournament, were visibly heartbroken at the final whistle. Nonetheless, their journey to the final has earned them admiration, with many noting their growing stature in African women’s football.
National Celebrations
The Super Falcons’ 10th WAFCON title has sparked celebrations across Nigeria and the African diaspora. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, state governors, sports administrators, and football fans have flooded social media with congratulatory messages for the team.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, reacting to the victory, described the performance as a symbol of Nigerian resilience. “Coming from two goals down to beat the Moroccans to the trophy underscores the invincibility of the Nigerian spirit,” he wrote.
President Tinubu, in his celebratory message on X (formerly Twitter), lauded the team’s fighting spirit: “They chose to accept this mission. They understood the assignment. Our Superior Super Falcons delivered in true Nigerian fashion. Never say Never. They went. They saw. They conquered again!”
Looking Ahead
With their 10th continental crown secured, the Super Falcons have reinforced their status as Africa’s most successful women’s national team. The triumph also sends a strong message ahead of the next FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers, where the team hopes to extend their dominance onto the global stage.
Esther Okoronkwo, who has already earned plaudits from major football commentators, is likely to attract more international interest following her standout tournament display. Her leadership, on-field decisiveness, and post-match humility have made her a fan favourite.
As the Super Falcons return home to a hero’s welcome, attention will now turn to building on this victory and ensuring that the next generation of Nigerian female footballers are inspired by what Okoronkwo and her teammates have achieved in Rabat.
Conclusion
Esther Okoronkwo’s reaction to the Super Falcons’ 3-2 victory over Morocco captured the essence of what this WAFCON title represents — pride, perseverance, and national unity. Her contributions on the pitch were as pivotal as her words off it, reminding the continent of what Nigerian women’s football is all about: strength, spirit, and an unyielding will to win.
As Africa celebrates its queens of football, one thing is clear: Esther Okoronkwo and the Super Falcons have not just lifted a trophy — they’ve lifted a nation’s spirit.
