Super Falcons took the lead for the first time in the game when Echegini calmly slotted home an assist from Okoronkwo.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Super Falcons of Nigeria came back from two goals down to beat hosts, Morocco 3-2, lifting their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations’ trophy in the process.
The home side got off to a dream start with a two goal lead in the first half of the final played at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, Morocco on Saturday night.
Captain Ghizlane Chebbak opened the scoring for the Atlas Lionesses with a brilliant strike from outside the box, curling the ball low past Nigerian goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Things got worse for the West Africans in the 24th minute when Sanaâ Mssoudy doubled Morocco’s lead.
Although Nigeria edged the ball possession stat, they were only able to get a single shot on target in the first half.
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However, the comeback began just after the hour mark when a VAR review handed Justine Maduagu’s side a lifeline.
A handball by Nouhaila Benzina resulted in a penalty, which was coolly dispatched by Esther Okoronkwo to make it 2-1.
In the 71st minute, Okoronkwo turned provider, slipping a neat ball into the path of Ijamilusi, who drilled a left-footed effort into the bottom corner to bring the Super Falcons level.
Nigeria then took the lead for the first time in the encounter in the 89th minute, when Okoronkwo once again delivered a well-worked set-piece to Joe Echegini, who calmly slotted home to seal a dramatic turnaround.
Despite late pressure and a flurry of Moroccan attacks, the Super Falcons held firm through a tense final few minutes of stoppage time to win the game. .
