Developing Story: Super Falcons Fulfilll Mission, Become Africa’s Best All – Time Champions
• Come from behind at half time to beat Morocco 3 – 2
By PHC Telegraph
Nigeria’s Super Falcons have clinched this year’s Women African football title, winning the championships a record ten times.
They performed the feat in Rabat on Saturday night, defeating the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco who had shot into an early lead by three goals to two.
What a match it turned out to be! It was the finals of the female edition of AFCON, a match obviously soaked with tension, a thrilling encounter of the best in women football filled with intense excitement.
The Moroccans basking in the euphoria of the support of their home fans were the first to find the back of the net in the 12th minute after the referee’s whistle signalled the start of hostilities.
The Moroccans were again on song 12 minutes later, precisely in the 24th minute, scoring their second and last goal which sent the home crowd into a frenzy.
Playing as if their lives depended on it, the Nigerian side which made changes at half time came back in the second half looking more determined and in control of proceedings.
From two goals down in the first half, the Super Falcons took the fight to their opponents, seizing control of the wings, the midfield and the defence and scoring three beautiful goals in the 64th, 71st and 88th minute.
The Turning Point:
Those glorious goals turned the championship aspirations of the home side into despair and set the stage for the accomplishment of “Mission X”
Prior to the final match, the girls had promised on X to accomplish Mission X and bring the trophy home.
On the field in the second half, on a day the Moroccans thought they were home and dry, Nigeria’s Super Falcons showed courage, tenacity and proof of the kind of hunger expected of champions.
Esther Okoronkwo who shone like a million stars on the field of play scored Nigeria’s first goal of the match.
Ijamilusi leveled up play for Nigeria a few minutes after, scoring a morale – boosting goal which sent shivers down the spines of the Lionesses and sent shock waves Moroccan fans who had gathered in the mainbowl of the Olympic stadium to watch Nigeria go down.
Africa’s female football giants spotted the opening and kept piling serious pressure in regulation time to finish the job and accomplish the realisation of Mission X.
The opportunity to take out the resistance of the Lionesses came in the 88th minute of the gruesome but breath – taking encounter.
Echegini the super sub took a shot. The resultant goal effectively shut the gate in the faces of the hard fighting Atlas Lionesses.
It was game over for the Moroccans, but a good outing nonetheless against one of Africa’s best sides.
For the Nigerians who had won the WAFCON champions nine times, it was a chance to record an unprecedented 10th win and a chance to write fresh history.
We’re Champions of Africa:
Rasheedat Ajibade, an award winner and strong motivator of the Super Falcons said afterwards, “To God be all the glory! We are the Champions of Africa yet again.”
Her comment reflected the mood among the players and indeed that of the entire nation.
Ajibade who captained the team also won the prestigious trophy reserved for the Best Player.
An excited Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu took to X to eulogide members of the team.
“They chose to accept this mission. They understood the assignment” the President noted, “Our Superior Super Falcons delivered in true Nigerian fashion. Never say Never. They went. They saw. They have conquered again!”
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso congratulated the Super Falcons, saying Mission X had been accomplished.
As he put it, “Congratulations, our dear Super Falcons. Mission X accomplished.”