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A capacity crowd at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium witnessed Nigeria’s historic triumph in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final on Saturday, as the Super Falcons clinched their 10th title with a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over hosts Morocco. Thousands of Moroccan supporters, who filled the stands in hopeful anticipation, departed dejected as Nigeria’s resilience and experience proved decisive in a match that swung from dominance to disbelief.

Morocco’s Lionesses stormed into an early lead, thrilling the home crowd with relentless pressure and clinical finishing to go 2-0 up by halftime. A Nigerian fan, reflecting on the momentum shift, acknowledged Morocco’s strong start: “We wanted to appreciate their effort—they gave everything. But our mentality is to fight until the final whistle.” True to his words, the nine-time champions staged a stunning second-half revival, netting three unanswered goals to secure their record-extending victory.

While Moroccan supporters praised their team’s spirited performance, many grappled with the abrupt reversal of fortunes. One fan described the match as “extraordinary and shocking,” admitting, “We didn’t expect this defeat. They played so well, but maybe we became overconfident.” Another echoed the sentiment, emphasizing pride in the squad’s progress: “This generation represents the future of women’s football here.”

The game mirrored a tale of two halves. Morocco’s early aggression, marked by fierce tackles and fluid passing, suggested a potential upset. Yet Nigeria’s veteran squad—boasting years of continental and global tournament experience—methodically exploited defensive gaps after the break. Their composure under pressure underscored a legacy of success, having now won five of the last seven WAFCON tournaments.

For Morocco, the result marked a bittersweet milestone in a groundbreaking campaign. As hosts, they reached their first-ever final, galvanizing local support and showcasing the rapid growth of women’s football in the region. Analysts noted their technical improvement under coach Reynald Pedros, a two-time UEFA Women’s Champions League winner, who has elevated the team’s profile since his appointment in 2020.

Nigeria, meanwhile, reaffirmed their status as Africa’s dominant force. The victory extends their record as the continent’s most decorated women’s team and secures qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Defender Ashleigh Plumptre, instrumental in the comeback, later attributed the win to collective determination: “We knew our history, but we had to prove it again.”

As celebrations erupted among Nigerian fans and players, the broader implications of the match resonated across the sport. Morocco’s rise signals a shifting landscape in African women’s football, while Nigeria’s enduring supremacy highlights the blend of talent and tenacity required to remain at the pinnacle. For both nations, the final served as a testament to progress, passion, and the unpredictable drama that defines the beautiful game.