Wafcon winner will stay in my heart forever – Echegini

Echegini Reflects on WAFCON-Winning Goal as Nigeria Clinches Historic 10th Title

Echegini Treasures Her Historic Winning Goal
Nigerian midfielder Jennifer Echegini has described her match-winning goal in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final as a moment she will cherish forever. The 24-year-old sealed Nigeria’s 3-2 comeback victory over hosts Morocco with a late goal in the 88th minute, completing an inspiring turnaround that earned Nigeria a record 10th continental title.

Personal Milestone in a Historic Final
Speaking to the BBC World Service, Echegini reflected on the emotional impact of the moment. “I’m just going to carry this moment close to me,” she said. “If I’m ever doubting myself as a player, I just think of this to encourage me and give me confidence.” The WAFCON final also marked the first trophy of her career, a milestone that makes the achievement all the more memorable.

A Second-Half Comeback for the Ages
The Super Falcons’ path to victory was far from easy. At halftime, they trailed 2-0 after goals from Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy. However, the team emerged with a renewed sense of purpose. Esther Okoronkwo sparked the comeback with a penalty, then went on to assist the remaining two goals, including Echegini’s decisive strike.

Fearless Football Fuels Victory

Echegini recounted the team’s mindset going into the second half: “We’re 2-0 down in the final, it’s half-time, you absolutely have nothing to lose. It’s either you play with fear and lose or give everything and hope you win – and we did so.” That bold approach defined the match and earned the Super Falcons another trophy to add to their rich history.

Presidential Praise for the Super Falcons
Following the dramatic victory, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu congratulated the team in a video call. He praised their “spectacular” performance and highlighted their display of the “determination that defines the Nigerian spirit.” Tinubu added, “You have lifted our spirits. You are a pride to your generation. Nigeria celebrates you.”

Okoronkwo’s Impact and Leadership
Esther Okoronkwo, who finished the tournament with two goals and six assists, emphasized that the team’s second-half mentality was one of total commitment. “We knew we had to come up [with a] different strategy. We needed to fight,” she explained. Her contributions were instrumental in steering the team to victory and showcased her leadership on the pitch.

Champion Mentality Applauded by Legend
Former Super Falcons forward Desire Oparanozie, a four-time WAFCON champion herself, lauded the team’s resilience. “I did not expect them to come back in that manner,” she told BBC Sport Africa. “Nigeria have been in the final 10 times and they’ve won all 10 times. That mental toughness and fight is something else.”

Heartbreak for Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses
On the other side of the result, Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses were left devastated after losing their second consecutive WAFCON final on home soil. The team had brought in Jorge Vilda, coach of Spain’s 2023 World Cup-winning squad, in a bid to secure their first title. Despite a strong first half, they couldn’t withstand Nigeria’s relentless pressure.

Ouzraoui Eyes Redemption in 2026
Moroccan forward Sakina Ouzraoui expressed her disappointment in the post-match interview. “We don’t understand what happened, but Nigeria are a good team,” she said. “It’s painful because we touched this cup with our hands, but not strongly enough.” However, she remained optimistic, vowing that the team would return stronger for the next tournament in 2026, which will again be hosted in Morocco.

Looking Ahead to the Future
With a 10th title now secured, Nigeria continues to dominate women’s football in Africa, while teams like Morocco show promise and ambition to challenge that legacy. For Echegini and the Super Falcons, this win will stand not just as a victory but as a symbol of belief, unity, and the never-give-up spirit that defines champions.

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