Dead at Half-time, Rise at Full-time: Ajibade Leads Super Falcons to 10th WAFCON Title in Stunning Comeback

From the brink of heartbreak to the pinnacle of glory, Rasheedat Ajibade and the Super Falcons of Nigeria delivered a breathtaking comeback on Saturday night, defeating hosts Morocco in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) to claim their record-extending 10th continental title.

Down 0–2 at half-time, Nigeria looked to be unraveling under the weight of Morocco’s home support and high-octane pressing. But in true “Never-Say-Die” fashion, the Falcons roared back to life — and at the heart of that resurgence was their captain, Rasheedat Ajibade.

Her leadership, composure, and relentless belief turned a game seemingly lost into a triumphant 3–2 victory. For her efforts, Ajibade was named Player of the Tournament, becoming the latest Nigerian captain to rise to the occasion on the continent’s biggest stage — following in the footsteps of William Troost-Ekong, who won the MVP title at the 2023 men’s Africa Cup of Nations.

“She smiled,” one observer noted. “Not out of arrogance, but calm defiance.”
That smile, captured on cameras when Nigeria was trailing by two goals, became a symbol of unshaken belief.

The first 25 minutes of the match painted a grim picture. Morocco, precise and fluid, struck early and doubled their lead before the break, while Nigeria looked leg-weary and disjointed.

But the turning point came in the 58th minute when Esther Okoronkwo stepped up and calmly converted a penalty. The goal reignited the Falcons’ rhythm and belief. From there, it was a masterclass in composure and collective grit, with Nigeria clawing their way back, pass by pass, tackle by tackle until they leveled, and eventually secured a late winner in dramatic fashion.

It was a redemption story for a team and a nation still stung by the Super Eagles’ loss to Ivory Coast in the AFCON final earlier this year. This time, Nigeria woke up to victory, not regret.

“I woke up to kiss an angel this morning,” said one emotional fan, referencing country legend Charley Pride, while also noting gospel singer Angela Adams’ “Made It Through the Storm” as the anthem of the moment.

In addition to the trophy, Nigeria received $1 million (₦1.5 billion) in prize money — following a 100% increase in the winner’s purse announced by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The overall WAFCON prize pool was increased by 45%, underlining CAF’s growing investment in the women’s game.

Importantly, CAF also mandated that 30% of the prize money be paid directly to players, marking a significant step toward fairer compensation and recognition for African women footballers.

For Rasheedat Ajibade, this triumph marks more than a medal. It confirms her legacy as one of the finest footballing leaders Africa has produced — a figure of belief, resilience, and inspiration.

In the end, Nigeria’s road to the WAFCON title was paved not just with goals and tactics, but with something deeper: belief, leadership, and the refusal to surrender.

From the edge of despair to the summit of African football, the Super Falcons soared once again.