Detty December Boxing Tournament: "Why Fighting In Lagos Means Everything To Me" - British-Born Nigerian Heavyweight, Lawrence Okoli

British-Nigerian heavyweight contender Lawrence Okolie says fighting in Lagos carries deep personal meaning as he prepares to make his African debut at Chaos in the Ring II on Sunday, December 21.

The two-weight world champion and WBC number one heavyweight contender will headline his first professional fight on African soil when he faces Ghanaian powerhouse Ebenezer Tetteh at the Detty December Festival Grounds in Lagos.

“Fighting in Lagos means everything to me,” Okolie said.

“This is where my family is from. This is the dream. Under the Detty December lights, I’m putting on a show you won’t forget.”

Born in London to Nigerian parents, the 33-year-old Okolie won the WBO cruiserweight title in 2021 with a sixth-round knockout of Krzysztof Glowacki, successfully defended the belt, and later captured the WBC bridgerweight world title before moving up to heavyweight.

Standing in his way is Tetteh (23-3, 20 KOs), a rugged Ghanaian veteran known for his durability and knockout power. Tetteh recently went seven hard rounds with British heavyweight contender Dillian Whyte and has vowed to push Okolie into a gruelling test.

The event, broadcast live worldwide on DAZN, is being staged by former world champion turned promoter Amir Khan and Ezekiel Adamu, CEO of Balmoral Group Promotions, following the success of the inaugural edition in October.

“This card is here to make a statement,” Dr Adamu said.

“Africa is ready to host the biggest nights in world boxing, and Chaos in the Ring II is proof.”

Khan added, “I’ve fought all over the world, but this Lagos card is special. Okolie headlining in Africa for the first time, a stacked heavyweight lineup, and Detty December behind us, we are giving fans a night they’ll never forget.”

The co-main event features towering French heavyweight Tony Yoka (14-3, 11 KOs), the 2016 Olympic super-heavyweight gold medallist, who faces German veteran Patrick Korte (23-5-1, 19 KOs) in a ten-round contest as Yoka seeks a return to world title contention.

The undercard includes two all-Nigerian six-round bouts with Basit Adebayo (9-0, 4 KOs) facing Sikiru Shogbesan (23-3-1, 10 KOs), and Isaac Chukwudi (5-3-1, 3 KOs) versus unbeaten puncher Raheem Animashaun (18-0, 12 KOs).

Further action sees Ghanaian super middleweight Elvis Ahorgah (15-4, 13 KOs) take on rising British star Harley Benn (9-2, 1 KO), while unbeaten prospects Shiloh Defreitas (6-0, 3 KOs) and Taye Fajimi (10-0, 4 KOs) clash in a compelling matchup.

The night also features a four-round women’s contest between Nene Joy Ojo (2-1, 2 KOs) and unbeaten Sandra Darkwah Boateng (5-0).

 

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Real Reasons I Am Quitting International Football - William Troost-Ekong

The weight of expectation and subsequent pressure to deliver is one that's now synonymous with international football.

Fans of all countries rest their dreams on a team of 11, a squad of 23 in total, and a manager tying it all together to achieve national pride.

When that doesn't happen, chaos ensues. Superstars who were once national heroes for their successes across the globe are quickly labelled villains and become the focal point of what can be an inescapable abuse.

Sometimes, the scriptwriters leave the fate of a nation to the finest of margins. A penalty shoot-out, a late goal, a refereeing decision. Or sometimes the issues tell a tale of wider infrastructural oversights.

For William Troost-Ekong, the now former captain of Nigeria after he decided to call time on a decade-long career as a Super Eagle, that "pressure was a privilege."

The centre-back will not be at the Africa Cup of Nations. His international retirement came as a shock to many Nigerians.

Most, who looked forward to righting the wrongs of the 2023 final defeat against Ivory Coast and their most recent failure to reach the World Cup for the second consecutive time, have been left bewildered by the timing. However, it's a decision that Troost-Ekong has battled with for some time.

"I just felt like the right time for me," Troost-Ekong told Sky Sports.

"It feels like a chapter is closing. But I also feel happy, I feel proud. I've had such a great run with the Super Eagles to be part of the team for over 10 years.

"It's been such a big part of my identity, something I've been so proud of. Just to be part of the team is one of the biggest honours that I've had in my life so far.

"For me to grow into becoming a captain of the team is something that I couldn't have even imagined at the start of it.

"It's bittersweet, but it just felt like the right time for me."

Troost-Ekong retires as Nigeria's ninth-most capped player, with 83 appearances to his name.

His time with the national team was a rollercoaster. There were highs interlinked with the lows, along with doubts and disagreements. Troost-Ekong was part of a Nigeria team that earned a bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics before achieving third place at the 2021 AFCON.

In 2023, he led Nigeria to the AFCON final as captain, becoming the competition's highest-scoring defender ever while also being named Player of the Tournament. A career highlight, scoring in the final to open the scoring, became a low, shipping two goals to hosts Ivory Coast, and losing as favourites for the competition.

"It feels surreal," Troost-Ekong says as he describes the feeling of dragging his nation to an AFCON final.

"I think maybe because I already had the first thoughts about stopping at that time. I was probably more emotional.

"I wasn't in the best relationship with the coach that we had at the time, even though we made up afterwards and I went to the tournament.

"So to be there, I was just trying to enjoy it as much as I could because I kind of said to myself, 'this would be my last tournament'.

"It wasn't until we finished the tournament, and I thought, wow, that was something really special to be a part of. And I think I managed to show my best version and lead the team as well as I could."

Troost-Ekong was in tears after the final whistle blew in Abidjan. But as his sorrow turned to pride, anger from fans who felt their team should have won turned to abuse, platformed by a harsh Nigerian media.

Fulham duo Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi felt the full brunt of the abuse as their Premier League status came with expectation that they failed to deliver upon.

An unforgiving media alongside a passionate fanbase is a recipe for disaster when things don't go your way.

"Was the media scrutiny too much? Maybe at times. When I got older, I kind of had to learn how to deal with that.

"And I think the best way is through experiencing it. I think you have to share that. I don't think you've got to take that upon yourself because it's not just me playing in the team.

"But as a team, my role was definitely growing in that and change because you have to try and absorb that and try to keep everyone level-headed.

"It's difficult to do because there are so many moving parts, whether it's the manager, whether it's within the federation, or of course, the fans who want the best for the team and are so passionate, which is also the beauty of Nigerian football.

"It can be a lot sometimes. So, I think you just try to create a circle around the team and you treat that as a family."

Troost-Ekong has stepped away from the "family" in a playing capacity but believes the foundations have been laid to achieve success. However, Nigeria haven't won the tournament since 2013. Every year spent without the trophy since has spelt failure for a nation consistently among the favourites and among the competition's most valuable squads.

Having said that, players such as Iwobi and Bassey have grown more mature.

Victor Osimhen's performances at the height of the European game have sustained, while the likes of Ademola Lookman and Wilfried Ndidi will hope to play a key role this AFCON.

"I feel like there's been a gradual passing of the baton from where I am as one of the leaders and captain of the team," Troost-Ekong said.

"It's time to step away and let the next generation and the boys I've been playing with for the last years give them a chance to write their own story.

"The team are very well placed to achieve something at this AFCON.

"The last AFCON taught us so much. Of course, losing that, you learn a lot. You understand how to play that occasion better when it comes.

"I think the team will be unfazed now until that moment and they'll definitely want to put those wrongs right.

"I'll be there to support them as much as I can because I think if we have a chance to win the AFCON now in Morocco, I would still feel like I've been a part of that generation, the set of players, even though I wouldn't be there at that moment.

"It would be a beautiful way to kind of crown the generation of players that we've had now and also give them the respect that they, over the years, probably deserved. But you need to earn it. There's been a golden set before 2013 that won it."

Culled from Sky Sports

 

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Wheelchair Basketballer Musibau Shittu Establishes Disabled Sports Academy In Lagos

Nigerian wheelchair basketball player Musibau Shittu has established a sports academy for young disabled athletes in Lagos, seeking to provide opportunities he lacked during his early career.

The FOLMUS  Disabled Sports Academy, based at the National Institute for Sports, supports athletes across various para-sports beyond wheelchair basketball.

“The academy is my way of giving back,” Shittu told reporters in Lagos.

“Sports changed my life, and I want others to experience the same.”

Shittu explained that many young disabled people face limited opportunities, as their families often struggle to support them or doubt that sports can provide a viable future.

“We don’t have an official office yet, but we train athletes and help them build confidence,” he said.

“One of our players even won two gold medals in badminton at the last West African Games held in Abeokuta.”

The academy operates with minimal funding, relying on Shittu’s personal income and small contributions from friends. According to him, “We do what we can. Even if I cannot give them much, I give them knowledge and support.”

He appealed to the Lagos State Government and corporate organisations to partner with the academy to expand training and competition opportunities for young disabled athletes.

“Many talented athletes remain undiscovered because Nigeria does not have a strong system for identifying and developing para-sports talent,” Shittu said. “With proper support, Nigeria can become a leader in Africa. We have the talent. We just need to invest in the future.”

Segun Bailey, a basketball player and gym instructor, currently serves as the academy’s manager.

 

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I'm Not The Problem Of Liverpool - Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah has accused Liverpool of throwing him “under the bus” after being left out of the starting lineup for the third game running as the champions drew at Leeds, saying he has been made a scapegoat for the poor start to the season and casting severe doubt on his future at the club.

“I can’t believe … I’m sitting on the bench for 90 minutes,” the Egypt international said. “The third time on the bench, I think for the first time in my career. I’m very, very disappointed. I have done so much for this club down the years and especially last season. Now I’m sitting on the bench and I don’t know why.

“It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That is how I am feeling. I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame.” He refused to specify who that person was.

Salah has been leading scorer in the Premier League four times and was both the Professional Footballers’ Association’s and the Football Writers’ Association’s player of the year last season as he helped Liverpool to his and their second Premier League triumph. But he suggested next week’s home league game against Brighton could be his last for the club. He will join up with the Egypt squad for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco after that and he gave a strong hint that he could leave Liverpool in the January transfer window.

“I said many times before that I had a good relationship with the manager and all of a sudden, we don’t have any relationship,” Salah said after Liverpool’s 3-3 draw at Elland Road on Saturday. “I don’t know why, but it seems to me, how I see it, that someone doesn’t want me in the club.

“This club, I always support it. My kids will always support it. I love the club so much I will always do. I called my mum yesterday – you guys [journalists] didn’t know if I would start or not, but I knew. Yesterday I said [to my mum]: ‘Come to the Brighton game. I don’t know if I am going to play or not but I am going to enjoy it.’ In my head, I’m going to enjoy that game because I don’t know what is going to happen now. I will be in Anfield to say goodbye to the fans and go the Africa Cup. I don’t know what is going to happen when I am there.”

Asked directly if he thought that the Brighton fixture at Anfield next Saturday would be his last for Liverpool, he replied: “In football you never know. I don’t accept this situation. I have done so much for this club.”

Salah has scored only four Premier League goals this season, one of those a penalty, and has been widely criticised for his lack of defensive work as Liverpool have endured a stuttering start to their title defence. But he is clearly hurt that he is taking the blame for their poor form and feels the club have let him down after he agreed a two-year contract extension in the spring.

“I got a lot of promises and so far I am on the bench for three games so I can’t say they have kept the promise,” he said. “It is not acceptable for me. I don’t know why this is happening to me. I don’t get it. I think if this was somewhere else, every club would protect its player. How I see it now is like: ‘You throw Mo under the bus because he is the problem in the team now.’ But I don’t think I am the problem. I have done so much for this club.

“The respect, I want to get. I don’t have to go every day fighting for my position because I earned it. I am not bigger than anyone but I earned my position. It’s football. It is what it is. I am top goalscorer, best player, winning the league in such a style, but I am the one who has to defend himself in front of the media and fans.

“After what I have done for the club it really hurts. You can imagine, really. After going from home to the club and you don’t know if you are starting. I know the club too well, I have been here many years. Tomorrow [the Sky pundit Jamie] Carragher is going to go for me again and again and that’s fine.”

Salah did not feature in the win at West Ham last Sunday but came off the bench at half-time in the draw against Sunderland on Wednesday. However, he did not make an appearance at Elland Road, a situation he clearly finds extremely frustrating. “I have been at this club, scoring more than anyone in this generation, since I came to the Premier League. If I was somewhere else, everybody would go to the media and defend the players. I am the only one in this situation. Can I give an example?

“It’s silly but I am sorry. I remember a while ago, Harry Kane was not scoring for 10 games, and everyone in the media was like: ‘Oh, Harry will score for sure.’ When it comes to Mo everyone is like: ‘He needs to be on the bench.’”

There has been consistent interest from the Saudi Pro League for several months, but Salah would not be drawn on whether that was his likely destination. “I don’t want to answer this question,” he said, “because the club is going to take me to a different direction.”

Did he regret signing the new contract? “Imagine how bad I feel that I have to answer it, honestly,” he said. “That hurts, even the question hurts. This club, signing for this club, I will never regret it. I thought I’m going to renew here and end my career here, but this is not according to the plan, so I’m not regretting signing for the club for sure.

“Somehow it will end but the thing in my head is like: ‘Why it should end this way?’ Because I am too fit, just five months ago I was just winning every individual award so why should it go this direction?”

 

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Tinubu Rewards D’Tigress With $100,000, Flats, OON National Honour For Afrobasket Triumph

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has honoured Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, with a cash reward of $100,000 for each player, a flat each, and the prestigious Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) national honour, following their historic victory at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship.

Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the presidential rewards on Monday evening during a special reception held in their honour at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.

In addition to the players, members of the coaching and technical crew were each awarded $50,000, a three-bedroom flat, and conferred with the OON national honour.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and the Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, as well as the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, joined the Vice President to warmly receive the D’Tigresses on behalf of the President.

Speaking during the reception ceremony, the Vice President received the champions, describing their victory as a shining example of the nation’s talent, resilience, and unity.

“You have brought great pride to Nigeria. Your excellence on the court has once again put our nation on the global map for sporting greatness”, Shettima told the team.

The team clinched their fifth consecutive AfroBasket title—and seventh overall—by defeating Mali 78–64 in the final played at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

The remarkable win reaffirmed their dominance in African women’s basketball and continued an unbroken winning streak that began in 2017.

Monday’s ceremony drew top government officials, including the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youths and Sports Development, Senator Garba Maidoki; and Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Hon. Kabiru Amadou.

The recognition of D’Tigress follows a similar state reception President Tinubu hosted last week for the Super Falcons, after their record-extending tenth Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) victory in Rabat, Morocco.

 

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D’Tigress Wins Fifth Consecutive Afrobasket Title, Tinubu Commends Team

Nigeria’s D’Tigress have cemented their dominance in African women’s basketball, clinching their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title with a commanding 78-64 victory over Mali.

With a hard-fought victory over Mali in the final on Sunday, the Nigerian side became the first country on the continent to win the championship five times in a row.

The victory also extended Nigeria’s astonishing unbeaten run in the competition to 29 straight games—an unbroken streak dating back to 2015.

President Tinubu has commended the skill, resilience, determination, and teamwork that propelled the team to the fifth consecutive title, and the seventh overall.

He praised the team’s determination to bring glory to the country despite losing the first quarter of the match.

“Your superb performance throughout the competition has made Nigeria proud. Like the Super Falcons, you have inspired our young ladies. You embodied the indomitable Nigerian spirit, the power of unity, and the rewards of hard work.

“By winning the AfroBasket trophy for a record fifth consecutive time, you have written your names in history and shown the world what to expect out of Africa,” the President stated.

President Tinubu also lauded Head Coach Rena Wakama and her technical team for their exemplary leadership and the Nigeria Basketball Federation for their steadfast support.

“The Federal Government and Nigerians will never forget the sacrifices and remain grateful for the highly elevating performances.

“The government and the people of Nigeria celebrate you and assure you of our continued support as you prepare for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup next March.

President Tinubu added, “I look forward to receiving the victorious team and the trophy in Abuja, while wishing you all a safe trip.”

 

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WAFCON: Morocco Petitions CAF Over Super Falcons’ Victory

Morocco’s Football Federation has officially submitted a petition to the Confederation of African Football, alleging “refereeing injustices” during the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final against Nigeria’s Super Falcons.

As reported by Morocco World News, the FRMF claimed that the Centre Referee failed to award a “clear” penalty in the 82nd minute, with the score level at 2-2 during the finals.

Video evidence suggested a potential handball by Super Falcons defender Tosin Demehin, but following a video assistant referee review, the referee overturned her initial decision.

Following the incident, Morocco’s coaching staff and players expressed their frustration as the federation contended that the referee’s decision significantly impacted the match’s outcome, which ultimately saw the Super Falcons’ 3-2 triumph.

Moroccan head coach, Jorge Vilda, who previously led Spain to victory at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, remarked after the match: “It was a small detail that cost us the game.”

Vilda, typically reticent on refereeing issues, also acknowledged that fatigue contributed to his team’s second-half collapse.

In contrast, Nigeria’s coach, Justine Madugu, praised Morocco for their strong first-half performance and noted that tactical adjustments at half-time changed the game’s trajectory in favour of his side.

“The substitutions made a significant difference,” he stated. “Morocco have a bright future ahead.”

The final, held at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium, saw Morocco establish a commanding 2-0 lead in the first half.

However, the Super Falcons emerged revitalised in the second half, with goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and substitute Jennifer Echegini turning the tide.

With this defeat, the Atlas Lionesses marked an unfortunate milestone as the first hosts to lose consecutive WAFCON finals.

The victory secured a record-extending 10th WAFCON title for the Super Falcons.

In the third-place play-off, the Black Queens of Ghana emerged victorious, defeating former champions Banyana Banyana of South Africa on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time.

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Goldberg Salutes Super Falcons On Historic 10th WAFCON Title Win, Reaffirms Commitment To Women’s Football

Goldberg Lager, one of the flagship brands of Nigerian Breweries, has congratulated the Super Falcons of Nigeria on their hard-fought victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where they lifted their record-extending 10th continental title.

According to a statement from the brand, the Super Falcons' 10th WAFCON win truly aligns with the ongoing #GoldStandard campaign, showcasing the rest of the continent's best in beauty, fashion, and style on and off the field of play.

The Nigerian women’s team edged past hosts Morocco 3-2 in a thrilling final at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Saturday night, capping off a remarkable campaign that showcased their strength, unity, and experience.

In its congratulatory message on Saturday, Goldberg hailed the Super Falcons’ journey as a “true symbol of Naija resilience and pride,” celebrating a team that continues to inspire millions of Nigerians and football fans across the continent.

 “The Super Falcons have once again shown why they are the pride of Africa,” the statement read. “Their courage, discipline, and unity reflect the true spirit of champions. We are proud to celebrate this achievement with them and with all Nigerians,” the Brand Manager, Goldberg, Titilayo Famodimu stated.

Nigeria kicked off their campaign with a 3-0 thrashing of Tunisia before edging out South Africa in the semi-finals after a fierce contest. 

Beyond matchday cheers, Goldberg and Nigerian Breweries have been fuelling the rise of women’s football in Nigeria through consistent brand partnerships, grassroots engagements, and national team support campaigns.

From spotlighting female athletes in their advertising to backing platforms that promote the women’s game, the brand has stayed committed to breaking barriers and opening more opportunities for Nigerian women in sports.

Goldberg noted that this WAFCON title is not only a victory for the Super Falcons but for every girl who dreams of wearing the green and white.

 “We believe in the power of women, and we’re proud to be part of this journey. This win is for all of Nigeria, and we look forward to doing even more to support the women’s game,” she concluded.

The Super Falcons had truly aligned with the brand’s ongoing campaign at #GoldStandard, showcasing the rest of the continent's best in beauty, fashion, and style on and off the field of play.

 

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President Tinubu Rewards WAFCON Champions As Super Falcons Bag National Honors And $100,000 Each

    In a grand reception held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday evening, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu honored Nigeria’s Super Falcons for their sensational comeback victory over Morocco in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The Super Falcons, who secured their record 10th WAFCON title with a 3–2 win after coming from two goals down against hosts Morocco on Saturday in Rabat, were received by the President in a jubilant atmosphere as the pride of a grateful nation.

As part of the national honor and appreciation, each player and member of the technical crew received:

• Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON)

• A 3-bedroom flat each

• $100,000 cash reward

• $50,000 to each to all members of the technical crew

And an additional 10 Million Naira was awarded to the players by the Governors’ Forum.

President Tinubu, who had placed a post-match video call to the team on Saturday night, spoke with pride and admiration for the team during the ceremony, saying:

“I am very, very proud of you. The entire nation is proud of you. You have lifted our spirits. You are a pride to your generation, and we are all very happy.”

“You will be celebrated, and I look forward to receiving the trophy in Abuja,” he had added during that call.

The Super Falcons arrived in coaster buses at exactly 4:35 p.m., where they were received at the forecourt of the State House, before being ushered into a formal meeting with the President.

Leading the squad were Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, and head coach Justin Madugu, who masterminded the incredible comeback win.

With this 2024 title, Nigeria’s Super Falcons have won four WAFCON tournaments in the last decade (2014, 2016, 2018, and now 2024), maintaining their dominance in African women’s football.

Their victory in Rabat was one of the most historic and dramatic in WAFCON history, coming back from 0–2 down to win 3–2, and sending shockwaves through the continent and breaking the hearts of the Atlass Lioness of Morocco and it’s fans in general.

According to a statement from the Villa, “Today’s event will be written as one of the most generous reward packages ever given to an African women’s national team.

“The national honours, real estate gifts, and dollar rewards highlights President Tinubu’s commitment to women’s sports and youth development.”

The Super Falcons will now return to their various clubs and countries as national heroines, but they leave the Villa with a message of pride, unity, and recognition that their excellence has been etched in the nation’s history.

 

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Detailed Analysis Of How Super Falcons Defeated Morocco To Win 10th WAFCON Title

The CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations came to a close on Saturday with Nigeria defeating Morocco in an epic final. Trailing 2-0 at half-time in front of a partisan Moroccan crowd, the Super Falcons showed their pedigree and resilience, clawing their way back into the match with a display of clinical finishing and sheer determination to cement their status as queens of African football.

Goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and a late winner by Joe Echegini overturned Morocco’s strong first-half lead, stunning the Atlas Lionesses who were hoping to clinch their first-ever continental title on home soil.

The final had all the ingredients of a classic: a host nation looking to crown a golden generation with history, and Africa’s most successful women’s side eager to reaffirm their dominance.

Morocco got off to a dream start. With just 12 minutes on the clock, captain Ghizlane Chebbak opened the scoring with a brilliant strike from outside the box, curling the ball low past Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.

The home crowd erupted, sensing history in the making.

Things got even better for the Atlas Lionesses in the 24th minute when Sanaâ Mssoudy doubled Morocco’s lead.

A slick pass from Ibtissam Jraidi found Mssoudy in space, and the forward made no mistake with a composed finish into the bottom right corner.

Nigeria appeared stunned and went into the break trailing by two goals, facing an uphill battle. But coach Justin Madugu’s half-time talk sparked a spirited response from the Super Falcons.

The comeback began just after the hour mark when a VAR review handed Nigeria a lifeline.

A handball by Nouhaila Benzina resulted in a penalty, which was coolly dispatched by Okoronkwo to make it 2-1.

From that moment, momentum swung Nigeria’s way. In the 71st minute, Okoronkwo turned provider, slipping a neat ball into the path of Ijamilusi, who drilled a left-footed effort into the bottom corner to bring Nigeria level.

With the match heading towards extra time, Nigeria found the winner.

A well-worked set-piece situation saw Esther Okoronkwo once again involved, delivering a clever assist to Joe Echegini, who calmly slotted home in the 88th minute to seal a dramatic turnaround.

Despite late pressure and a flurry of Moroccan attacks, the Super Falcons held firm through a tense final few minutes of stoppage time.

It was a heartbreaking end for Jorge Vilda’s Morocco side, who had impressed throughout the tournament and were bidding to become only the fourth nation ever to lift the WAFCON trophy after Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa.

But the night belonged to the Super Falcons, whose experience, depth and never-say-die spirit propelled them to yet another African title — their 10th in 13 editions.

Nigeria’s triumph not only extended their unmatched legacy on the continent but also served as a resounding statement that, even in the face of rising challengers, they remain the team to beat in African women’s football.

 

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