Nigeria’s Super Falcons have asserted their dominance in African women’s football once again by claiming three of the five top honours at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). This is following their triumph over host nation Morocco in a dramatic 3-2 final on Saturday night.
Ajibade Named Best Player
Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade was crowned the Player of the Tournament. Ajibade, who starred in six matches and earned three Woman of the Match accolades, played a vital role in Nigeria’s journey to the title, exhibiting leadership and flair throughout the tournament.
Nnadozie Retains Golden Gloves
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, hailing from Orlu and currently playing for Brighton FC in England, won the Golden Glove award for the second consecutive time (2023 and 2024).
Having previously been with Paris FC, Nnadozie further solidified her status as one of Africa’s top shot-stoppers. Her accolades include being named Di Arkem Goalkeeper of the Season (2023–24) and the IFFHS Africa’s Best Goalkeeper in the Diaspora in 2019.
Madugu Honoured as Best Coach
Newly appointed head coach Justine Madugu, who was promoted from assistant to lead the Super Falcons into this tournament, was named Coach of the Tournament. Madugu was able to rally his squad back from a 2-0 halftime deficit in the final to make Nigeria’s historic comeback win.
Other Awards
Golden Boot (Top Scorer): Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak netted five goals to finish as the tournament’s highest scorer, beating Nigeria’s Chinwendu Ihezuo, who both fell short by two goals.
Fair Play Award: South Africa’s Banyana Banyana were awarded the Fair Play Trophy for being the most disciplined team.
Final Standings
🥇 Nigeria – Champions (10th WAFCON title)
🥈 Morocco – Runners-up (Silver medal)
🥉 Ghana – Third place (Bronze medal)
4️⃣ South Africa – Fourth place
The final match saw Nigeria overcome a 2-0 halftime deficit with a thrilling second-half performance that stunned the home crowd in Rabat. The Falcons’ experience and resilience proved too much for the Atlas Lionesses, with Nigeria clinching a 10th WAFCON title.
Morocco has been confirmed as hosts of the 14th edition of WAFCON, set to take place in March 2026.
