Nigeria has emerged not just as champions, but as the dominant force at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), claiming multiple individual awards after a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over hosts Morocco in the tournament’s final.
Trailing by two goals at halftime, the Super Falcons mounted a spirited second-half fightback in Rabat to stun the home crowd and secure their 10th WAFCON title. The thrilling performance will go down as one of the most iconic comebacks in the competition’s history.
Among the stars of Nigeria’s campaign was team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who earned the prestigious Player of the Tournament award. Ajibade, who bagged three Woman of the Match awards during the tournament, scored once but consistently inspired her teammates with leadership, tenacity, and relentless energy, playing a key role in propelling the team toward glory.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie also received major recognition, taking home the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award. The Brighton FC player displayed extraordinary reflexes and composure throughout the championship. Before the final, she had only conceded once — a penalty against South Africa in the semi-final. The two goals she let in during the final marked the first time she was beaten in open play.
Despite Morocco falling short in the final, their striker Ghizlane Chebbak clinched the Golden Boot, finishing as the top scorer with five goals, including the opener in the championship game. Her contributions helped Morocco reach the final for the second consecutive edition.
South Africa, who were narrowly edged out by Nigeria in the semi-final, were honoured with the Fair Play Award in recognition of their discipline and sportsmanship throughout the competition.
In the dugout, interim coach Justin Madugu was recognised for his tactical acumen and leadership, taking home the Coach of the Tournament award. Appointed just before the tournament, Madugu successfully led Nigeria to their 10th continental crown — a campaign dubbed “Mission X.”
Although their early performances in the tournament left some fans unconvinced, the Super Falcons rose to the occasion when it mattered most. With Saturday’s remarkable victory, they reaffirmed their dominance in African women’s football and etched their names deeper into the continent’s sporting legacy.
The next edition of WAFCON will again be hosted by Morocco in 2025, setting the stage for another exciting showdown.
2024 WAFCON Award Winners
Most Valuable Player (MVP): Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria)
Best Goalkeeper: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria)
Golden Boot: Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco) – 5 goals
Coach of the tournament: Justin Madugu (Nigeria)
Fair Play Award: South Africa
What you should know
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade was named Player of the Tournament, while Chiamaka Nnadozie won Goalkeeper of the Tournament, and Coach Justin Madugu was recognised as the best coach — capping off Nigeria’s record-setting 10th WAFCON triumph.
