The National Sports Commission (NSC) has congratulated the Super Falcons on their stunning comeback victory over host nation, Morocco, to win the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Saturday night.

The Super Falcons became the first African team in history to clinch the title for a record 10th time.

A statement from Kehinde Ajayi, director press, NSC, quoted NSC chairman, Shehu Dikko, as praising the team’s courage and fighting spirit, as one that exemplified the spirit of the nation.

“What we witnessed on Saturday night was nothing short of legendary.

“The Super Falcons showed the heart of true champions by rising from adversity, silencing the crowd, and etching their names into the annals of African football history.

“On behalf of the President Bola Tinubu, who is proud of this team and Nigerian sports family, we say congratulations and thank you for making the nation proud.’’

Also commenting on the landmark achievement, NSC director-general, Bukola Olopade, charged the team to keep their sights on even greater targets.

“This is the Nigeria we know; resilient, relentless, and unstoppable people.

“To bounce back from two goals down against the host nation in a final is a mark of extraordinary character.

“Mission X is complete; the journey continues, and we will be with you every step of the way,” he said.

Mr Dikko and Ms Olopade, were in attendance at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, where they cheered the team to the dramatic turnaround in front of a hostile capacity home crowd.

From a 2-0 deficit at half-time, following goals from Morocco’s Ghizzlane Chebbak (12’) and Sanna Mssoudy (24’), the resilient Nigerian ladies launched a spirited comeback in the second half.

Esther Okoronkwo ignited the revival with a well-taken penalty in the 64th minute before setting up Folashade Ijamilusi for a tidy finish in the 71st for an equaliser.

The final dagger came in the 88th minute, when substitute Jennifer Echegini, calmly converted a sublime freekick assist from Okoronkwo, for the team’s third goal.

The game eventually ended 3-2, to seal the Falcons’ place in history.

(NAN)