The Super Falcons of Nigeria secured a 3-2 win over the WAFCON 2024 hosts, Morocco, after a torrid first half at Stade Olympique de Rabat.
Coach Justin Madugu made a slight change from the starting eleven that secured victory against South Africa in the semi-final, bringing in Deborah Abiodun while placing Joe Echegini on the bench.
Goals from Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy saw the ten-time African Champions succumb to a two-goal deficit in the first 25 minutes, but a spirited second-half performance saw Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and Jennifer Echegini help Nigeria herald a historic comeback.
Soccernet.ng rates the performance of the Nigerian players against Morocco as they brought Mission X to fruition.
1. Chiamaka Nnadozie 6.1/10: The Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper surprisingly didn't have much to do than pick the ball out of the net twice.
Other than that, she wasn't involved. There wasn't a lot more she could have done to prevent the Moroccan goals from finding the back of the net.
Overall, she had a great tournament, taking home the best goalkeeper award.
2. Michelle Alozie 6.7/10: The Houston Dash full-back had a poor first half, but she got better in the second half, locking in her duels and becoming more physical.
She made way for Oladipo Shukurat in the 93rd minute after helping the Super Falcons herald an incredible comeback.
3. Oluwatosin Demehin 6.6/10: The Galatasaray defender had to cover a lot of ground as the Moroccans kept charging at her in the first half.
She outgrew her fears in the second half and played out from the back with more composure.
4. Osinachi Ohale 6.1/10: The Pachuca centre-back was shaky at the heart of the defence in the first half. Her scuffed clearance led to Morocco's second goal.
On the flip side, her long balls in the second half helped the Super Falcons threaten the Moroccan defenders, and they eventually caved.
5. Ashleigh Plumptre 6.6/10: The Al-Ittihad defender didn't have the best performance tonight. She was isolated in a lot of 1v1 situations in the first half, but got better in the second half after Rinsola Babajide came on.
Her poor clearance led to Morocco's first goal, and she didn't help the defenders connect with the attackers. The game got better, and Nigeria charged forward when she went off for Jennifer Echegini in the 58th minute.
7. Deborah Abiodun 6.8/10: The 21-year-old midfielder appeared lost with her role in the first half, but she soared the moment Ayinde was taken off.
She came deep, took the ball, and helped the Super Falcons maintain solidity and calm in the middle of the park after the restart.
She's the WAFCON 2024 Player of the Tournament, and it's no less than she deserves.
9. Chiwendu Ihezuo 6.2/10: The Pachuca forward struggled on the flank. She didn't have any tricks to counter what the Moroccan defenders had to offer.
She was hooked in the 58th minute and was replaced by the pacy and bubbly Rinsola Babajide.
10. Folashade Ijamilusi 6.8/10: The youngster scored Nigeria's second goal of the game, tapping home from Esther Okoronkwo's brilliant work on the edge of the box.
Again, her decision-making needs improvement, but her efforts could not be faulted. She left it all on the pitch.
She was withdrawn in the 78th minute for the legendary Asisat Oshoala.
She took the game by the scruff of its neck, scoring from twelve yards for Nigeria's first goal, and was brilliant in the set-up to the second.
Her cross led to Joe Echegini's volley, which in turn completed the comeback for the Super Falcons. Okoronkwo was involved in all three goals, and without a doubt, she's a superstar.
Substitutes
Rinsola Babajide 6.3/10: The Roma winger came on in the second half and her addition pegged the Moroccan wingers back, freeing Plumptre to make her forward overlaps.
Her introduction brought more energy into Nigeria's midfield – a brave and worthwhile decision by coach Justin Madugu.
Asisat Oshoala 6.3/10: The Bay FC forward pressed with intent after coming on, forcing the Moroccans to go long, and in turn, give the ball back to Nigeria. She didn't have a clear-cut chance, but the resulting set-piece from her runs led to the Super Falcons' winning goal.
Sikiratu Isah and Oladipo Sikiratu came on in the 93rd minute and helped Nigeria hold on to the win.
