Mission X accomplished as Super Falcons lift 10th WAFCON, victory ‘defines the Nigerian spirit,’ President Tinubu

By Anthony Maliki, Abuja

Nigerian female team, the Super Falcons came from behind to defeat hosts Morocco at Stade Olympique in Rabat Saturday to lift its 10th TotalEnergies CAF Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The Nigerian team was trailing 0-2 at the half time but came back strong in the second stanza banging three goals ending the thrilling encounter 3-2.

The Moroccans opened scores in the 12th minute through Ghizlane Chebbak and added another through Sanaa Masoudy in the 24th minute.

However, after the break, the Nigerian team scored through Esther Okoronkwo in the 64th minute and Folashade Ijamilusi in the 71st minutes and Joe Echegini in the dying minutes of the match gave the West Africans the coveted trophy.

CAF had increased the Prize Money of the Winner of WAFCON by 100% and the total Prize Money of this Competition by 45%.

The 100% increase in the Prize Money of the Winner of the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON Morocco 2024 and the 45% total increase in the Prize Money of this Competition should contribute to the increase of the salaries of Women Football players, coaches and employees.

The quality and standard of Women’s Football in Africa is consistently improving and is world class.

The participating National Teams will receive:
Winner: $1million, runner up, $500,000, third place, $350,000, fourth place, $300,000, quarter finalists (4 teams), $200,000 for each team, 3rd of the group, $150,000, 4th of the group (3 Teams), $125,000 for each team.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Super Falcons of Nigeria on their victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, securing their record 10th continental title.

This was contained in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President,
Information and Strategy.

President Tinubu says, “The Super Falcons’ spectacular performance tonight in Rabat, coming from behind to beat a spirited Moroccan side playing in front of a passionate home crowd, exemplifies the determination that defines the Nigerian spirit.”

“With hard work, dedication, and tenacity, you have achieved the mission the nation dreamed of and prayed for. The nation looks forward to welcoming our champions. Congratulations! Nigeria celebrates you,” he said.