WAFCON victory: See how we overpowered Morocco – Super Falcons

With two goals down on enemy soil, against a loud and expectant Moroccan crowd, the Super Falcons proved yet again why they are queens of African football.

Justine Madugu, the head coach, who was calm and often underrated, turned out to be the master tactician who saw beyond the noise. And when it mattered most, he delivered.

Madugu had come under fire before the final, but he stayed composed. “Calm down,” he kept saying, a mantra that would later echo in celebration as Nigeria stunned Morocco 3-2 to lift their record-extending 10th WAFCON title.

“We knew we could do it,” Madugu said. “When we were two goals down, we told the girls not to panic. It was all about mental strength. They showed character, and that’s what made the difference.”

According to the gaffer, the team’s original plan backfired early in the game. Morocco capitalised and hit two quick goals, leaving Nigerian fans in shock. But halftime was the turning point.

“We had to talk. A lot of it,” Madugu said. “The girls responded. We changed tactics immediately and it paid off.”

One of the breakout stars of the tournament, Esther Okoronkwo, was unstoppable. Making her tournament debut, she became the Falcons’ engine room, tormenting defenders with skill and pace. Her thoughts?

“It’s my first time, but I knew I was born for moments like this,” Okoronkwo said. “From the first training, the energy was right. Even when we were behind, we didn’t break. We stood for each other. That unity? That was everything.”

Saying: “Our coach treated us like family. That helped us play freely and give our all.”

Michelle Alozie, the US-based medical researcher who scored the match-winner against South Africa in the semis, credited the victory to the Nigerian DNA.

“There’s nothing a Nigerian can’t overcome,” she said. “That never-say-die spirit carried us. Everyone thought it was over at halftime, but we knew better.”

The Super Falcons have once again written their name in gold.