Tag: Ghizlane Chebbak

Nigeria Super Falcons win WAFCON for the 10th time

On By Dr. Y.In Great MomentsLeave a comment
Super Falcons defeat the Atlas Lionesses to win 10th title and become WAFCON 2024 winner (Source: BusinessDay.ng)

The Super Falcons of Nigeria defeated The Atlas Lionesses of Morocco to win the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) last Saturday, thus getting their 10th trophy. The game was beautiful and worthy of a final. The Super Falcons delivered a performance worthy of football annals. At the end of the first half, they were trailing 2 – 0 with goals from Atlas Lionesses Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy; the game seemed sealed off. Then they fought back to secure a stunning 3 – 2 comeback victory against Morocco in the capital Rabat, with goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and Jennifer Echegini. Everyone was stunned, except the Nigerians who believed in themselves until the last minute. This was also a sweet revenge for the Super Falcons since Morocco had eliminated Nigeria on penalties in the semi-finals of the 2022 edition, also hosted in Morocco. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade was named Player of the Tournament, while Chiamaka Nnadozie, Africa’s best goalkeeper for the past two years, was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament.

The Atlas Lionesses of Morocco (Source: soccernet.ng)

By this victory, they have sealed their place as the dominant and best team in Africa in Women’s soccer, the queens of African football… They have clinched the $1 million prize money. We now need our Super Falcons to represent us proudly on the international stage at the FIFA Women’s Cup by winning it… they are capable of it!

Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) logo

The Nigerian president Bola Tinubu said, “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 added. The president has promised to pay each player $100,000 plus a three-bedroom apartment. We all hope this will be real!

South Africa is this year’s Women African Cup of Nations Champion

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Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) logo

The 14th edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) just ended with a win by the Banyana Banyana, South Africa’s national female team. The final was a showdown between the Banyana Banyana of South Africa and the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco in Rabat, Morocco’s capital. The Copper Queens of Zambia beat the Super Falcons of Nigeria to take home the bronze medal of the tournament.

South Africa wins championship (Source: pmnewsnigeria.com)

The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations took place over 3 weeks in Morocco. During these 3 weeks, the best female teams on the continent competed for the top title of champion of Africa. Compared to the men’s tournament, the Africa Cup of Nations which has been in existence for almost 7 decades, the Women’s tournament is relatively young at 28 years of age, and also usually is not vividly followed. This year brought in record following with a full stadium at 50,000 occupancy for the final, which is an amazing feat for a Women’s competition on the continent. The most titled nation in WAFCON history is Nigeria with 11 titles, followed by Equatorial Guinea with 2 titles, and now South Africa with 1 title.

South Africa had been coming 2nd for 4 tournaments taking home the silver medal in 2000, 2008, 2012, and 2018, and this year it finally took home the gold medal. Striker Hildah Magaia scored twice to lead her country to victory 2-1 against Morocco.

The Atlas Lionesses (Source: football256.com)

There were top performances and goals from the different countries participating. Some players stood out including the Moroccan captain Ghizlane Chebbak, Nigeria Rasheedat Ajibade, and South African Hildah Magaia who have been the tournament’s top scorers. Cameroon’s Ajara Nchout and Nigeria’s Sumayah Komuntale also shined by their performances.

Congratulations to the champions the Banyana Banyana of South Africa, and to all the women who proudly represented their countries at the tournament and made us happy.