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Nigeria seal 10th Wafcon title after incredible comeback v Morocco

Nigeria seal 10th Wafcon title after incredible comeback v Morocco

BBC News26-07-2025
Update:
Date: 23:23 BST
Title: Post
Content: FT: Morocco 2-3 Nigeria
The trophy goes up, the confetti flies!
Nigeria are the Wafcon 2024 champions!
Update:
Date: 23:23 BST
Title: Post
Content: FT: Morocco 2-3 Nigeria
Rasheedat Ajibade is primed for the trophy lift, winner's medal around her neck.
Update:
Date: 23:22 BST
Title: Post
Content: FT: Morocco 2-3 Nigeria
Morocco are up to receive their runners-up medals after becoming the first country to lose two successive Wafcon finals.
The manner in which they did so must make it even more painful, but should provide some consolation in time.
They scored twice as many goals against Nigeria as the rest of the champions' opponents here put together.
Jorge Vilda and his squad pose for an obligatory podium photo but it's a glum scene after another fine campaign.
Update:
Date: 23:16 BST
Title: Captain fantastic
Content: FT: Morocco 2-3 Nigeria
Nigeria skipper Rasheedat Ajibade succeeds Ghizlane Chebbak as the winner of the player of the tournament award.
Update:
Date: 23:15 BST
Title: Clinical Chebbak
Content: FT: Morocco 2-3 Nigeria
Ghizlane Chebbak claims the top scorer trophy, with five goals - including that memorable opener in the final.
Update:
Date: 23:13 BST
Title: Safe hands
Content: FT: Morocco 2-3 Nigeria
Nigeria goalkeeper and Brighton newcomer Chiamaka Nnadozie is out to receive the Golden Glove from the assembled dignitaries.
Update:
Date: 23:11 BST
Title: Get Involved
Content: #bbcfootball on X, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
Junaid: Clash of the giants. A thrilling Wafcon final.
Emeka Ulor: Breathtaking, dramatic, emotional and boomastic!
Update:
Date: 23:07 BST
Title: Post
Content: FT: Morocco 2-3 Nigeria
Tears on the Morocco bench. Hugs and dancing around the centre circle for Nigeria.
The new-look Wafcon trophy is being brought out, although the usual ceremonials mean it will be a while until the winners get their hands on it.
Update:
Date: 23:01 BST
Title: Post
Content: FT: Morocco 2-3 Nigeria
Morocco icon Ghizlane Chebbak is consoled as she makes her way off.
The forward struck a wonderful 13th-minute opener and must have thought her side were on course for victory when Sanaa Mssoudy doubled the advantage 11 minutes later as part of a serene first half for the Atlas Lionesses.
Nigeria came out on the attack and, eventually, turned the game around - via that late overturned handball decision that would have given Chebbak a chance to make it 3-2 to her side with minutes remaining.
Update:
Date: 23:01 BST
Title: For Nigeria, the spoils
Content: FT: Morocco 2-3 Nigeria
What a comeback.
This stadium is emptying out quicker than I'd imagined at half-time.
Nigeria head over to that small pocket of loyal supports in celebration.
Esther Okoronkwo is named as player of the match and it's no surprise after her incredible role in that comeback.
She ends the tournament with two goals and six assists.
There is a four-minute countdown to the presentation. There won't be many left to watch it.
Update:
Date: 22:58 BST
Title: Post
Content: FT: Morocco 2-3 Nigeria
Nigeria's small band of fans rejoice wildly. Their players drop to the turf, then return to their feet to begin the party.
Morocco and the home nation fans are stunned after a cruel defeat.
It's a record-extending 10th continental title for the team who have dominated this competition.
Update:
Date: 22:57 BST
Title: FULL-TIME
Content: Morocco 2-3 Nigeria
Mission X is accomplished - Nigeria are the Wafcon champions with a sensational comeback!
The Super Falcons were firmly on track to lose a Wafcon final for the first time after a whimper of a first-half display, deservedly going in 2-0 behind.
Three goals inside 22 minutes seal an astouning end to these finals - the last coming two minutes from time from Jennifer Echegini, who had been on the pitch for less than 30 minutes.
Update:
Date: 90+4 mins
Title: Post
Content: Morocco 2-3 Nigeria
Nigeria are doing the attacking.
Deborah Abiodun thunders a long-range shot just wide.
Update:
Date: 90+2 mins
Title: Post
Content: Morocco 2-3 Nigeria
Nigeria's Michelle Alozie and Esther Okoronkwo make way for Sikiratu Isah and Shukurat Oladipo.
The starters are asked to leave the field more quickly. Nigeria are closing in on glory - but Morocco want to change the course of history.
Update:
Date: 22:51 BST
Title: INJURY TIME
Content: Morocco 2-3 Nigeria
Six minutes of added time.
Morocco were 2-0 ahead in the 63rd minute. They'll be desperate to add an even later twist to this astonishing final.
Update:
Date: 22:48 BST
Title: GOAL - Morocco 2-3 Nigeria
Content: Jennifer Echegini
Nigeria have turned it around with a late goal that could just win the Wafcon title!
This is remarkable. Esther Okoronkwo whips one of her trademark inviting crosses in from the left, and the substitute arrives with her right leg in front of goal.
It's not the cleanest of connections from Jennifer Echegini but it's a firm one, beating Khadija Errmichi by steering the ball into the right-hand corner of the goalkeeper's net.
Minutes after Morocco thought they had a penalty to make it 3-2, Nigeria are in front!
Update:
Date: 87 mins
Title: Post
Content: Morocco 2-2 Nigeria
Morocco goalkeeper Khadija Errmichi comes out to punch a cross and connects with the unfortunate Ashleigh Plumptre, who was challenging for Nigeria and takes a substantial whack.
Both are OK after initially going to ground.
Update:
Date: 85 mins
Title: Post
Content: Morocco 2-2 Nigeria
Oluwatosin Demehin clenched her fists and dropped to her knees in relief after that initial penalty call was overturned.
Imagine how she must have felt. Morocco, now, are the ones reeling, having spurned a two-goal lead and thought they'd have a chance to go ahead again from the spot with full time looming.
Update:
Date: 83 mins
Title: Post
Content: Morocco 2-2 Nigeria
The question is likely to be about how much chance Oluwatosin Demehin of avoiding the ball hitting her right hand at such close quarters to the flick on.
No penalty!
Update:
Date: 82 mins
Title: Video Assistant Referee
Content: Morocco 2-2 Nigeria
High drama. Breaths held.
Antsino Ndemugwanitha is heading over to the pitchside monitor for the second time since half-time.
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