The Super Falcons made a remarkable comeback to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 in the Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final on Saturday.

The Falcons have now lifted a 10th African Women’s trophy.

Justin Madugu’s charges were hoping to avenge the 2024 semi-final defeat by the North Africans

Despite an early pressure from the Falcons, the Moroccans would draw first blood in the 13th minute after a loose ball broke kindly for the tournament’s top scorer, Ghizlane Chebbak, who did the rest by powering her effort past Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie

Ijamilusi Folashade tried to force issues, but a weak shot was all she could manage, which found its way into the hands of Khadija Er-Rmichi

Then in the 28th-minute, Mssoudy received the ball on the left edge of the box and drilled a low, left-footed shot to find the back of the net to make it 2 for the hosts

Both sides would head for the tunnel with Morocco on the ascendancy, with the scoreline at 2-0

The Super Falcons resumed the second half with some renewed vigour as their pressing and passing were much more intentional

They were almost rewarded with a goal when the Moroccan keeper collided with Rabbah, her own defender, before the defence came to her rescue

The relentless pressure would, however, pay off for the Super Falcons in the 63rd minute after Ijamilusi hooked the ball back, and it struck the arm of Benzina.

Okoronkwo calmly found the back of the net to give Nigeria a glimmer of hope

In the 71st minute, Okoronkwo paced down the right and cut into the area before calmly squaring for the better-placed Ijamilusi to tap home to make it all square

President Bola Tinubu has approved the full payment of allowances and match bonuses for the Super Falcons, ahead of their final match against Morocco in the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, made the announcement while speaking with reporters in Abuja.

He also confirmed that all entitlements, up to and including the final on July 26, had been disbursed for immediate payment to players, coaches, and officials.

Dikko described the gesture as “policy in motion” and a demonstration of a renewed commitment to Nigerian athletes under Tinubu’s leadership.

He assured that this would now be the standard practice going forward, timely payments without drama or delays.

Dikko noted that the move also extends to Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, who are set to begin their 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket campaign in Côte d’Ivoire, saying that D’Tigress will receive improved allowances and bonuses.

“This is the kind of sports administration we are building, one rooted in dignity, trust, and shared prosperity. Future generations would appreciate President Tinubu’s reforms in the sports sector,” he said.

The House of Representatives has passed a resolution to probe the abysmal performance of team Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Olympics, to forestall future occurrences.

According to the resolution passed on Thursday, the House expressed worry that none of the 82 athletes who represented the country, returned with a medal.

The lawmakers decried the huge budget of over ₦12bn for the event which yielded nothing.

The House also urged President Bola Tinubu to establish a commission of enquiry on sports arbitration in Nigeria.

The last time Nigeria did not win a medal at the Olympics was in 2012.