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

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.

The minister of sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has admonished Nigerian athletes to treat the upcoming African Championship in Cameroon as a perfect rehearsal for the Olympic Games in Paris.

Senator Enoh in a statement by his S A media, Diana Nsan stated following the Athletics Federation of Nigeria’s (AFN) announcement of a formidable list of 40 athletes that will represent the country at the African Championships in Douala.

Among notable names are Tobi Amusan, Favour Ofili, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, and Chidi Okezie, some of Nigeria’s biggest stars heading to the competition.

The Minister emphasized the importance of this championship as a precursor to the Olympics, highlighting its role in preparing athletes for podium success at the world’s biggest sporting event in Paris.

“The African Athletics Championship should serve as a dress rehearsal for the Olympics,” Senator Enoh stated. “I charge all our flag bearers to represent the green and white flag with pride and aim to bring back the first position trophy at the end of the tournament.”

He also advised the athletes to be cautious about their diet and hydration, noting the significance of this Olympic year and the heightened scrutiny they will face.

“Knowing fully well the remarkable achievements you had in Ghana, I believe you can replicate and even surpass those feats. You have done it at the African Games, and you can do it again.”

Senator Enoh’s call to action is a motivational boost for the athletes as they prepare for the African Championships, with the eyes of the nation and the world upon them. The dedication and hard work of these athletes continue to inspire hope and pride among Nigerians.