WAFCON 2024: How Sports Journalists Turn to Supporters During the Super Falcons’ Win vs Morocco
- Nigeria staged a remarkable comeback to beat hosts Morocco 3-2 in a thrilling final in Rabat on Saturday night, July 26
- Second-half goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and Jennifer Echegini secured their 10th Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title
- In the absence of the Nigeria Supporters Club, sports journalists cheered the Super Falcons to victory throughout the tournament
Super Falcons produced a stunning comeback after a 2-0 first half, to beat Atlas Lionesses 3-2 to win their 10th Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Rabat, Morocco on Saturday night, July 26.
Morocco raced to a 2-0 lead in the first half, thanks to goals from Ghizlaine Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy, and appeared to be taking the title easily.
Source: Getty Images
Nigeria sprang to life in the second half and scored three goals in the second through Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, before Jennifer Echegini wrapped it up, per Al Jazeera.
How Nigeria got into the final
Super Falcons began their title chase by beating Tunisia 3-0 in the first match, with goals coming from Asisat Oshoala, Rinsola Babajide, and Chinwendu Ihezuo, per CAF.
The nine-time champion struggled to beat Botswana 1-0 with a 89th-minute goal coming from Chinwendu Ihezuo and drew their last match against Algeria.
Nigeria pummeled Zambia 5-0 in the quarterfinal, with goals coming from Osinachi Ohale, Esther Okoronkwo, Chiwendu Ihezuo, Oluwatosin Demehin, and Folashade Ijamilusi before seeing off South Africa 2-1 in the semifinals (goals from Rasheedat Ajibade and Michelle Alozie.
Source: Getty Images
Sports journalists turned into supporters- Solace-Chukwu
Nigeria sports journalist Biola Solace-Chukwu explained that the absence of the Nigeria Supporters Club turned her into an emergency cheerleader for the Super Falcons.
Speaking in an exclusive comment with Legit.ng, Solace Chukwu said the number of Nigerians in Casablanca was few and had to join some colleagues to motivate the team from the stands.
She stressed that cheering the team was exhausting, but expressed fulfillment in taking the bold decision. Solace-Chukwu said:
"I went to cover my very first Women's Africa Cup of Nations, but I didn't envisage I would mostly not sit with the media. While on the job, I joined other colleagues, sitting with fans to cheer on the Super Falcons.
"This was important because for some reason, the Nigerian Supporters Club was absent all tournament. With not too many Nigerian fans in Casablanca, we decided to join in to increase the numbers and voices. I'm pleased to say it worked and it was fun as well.
"I can't deny that it was also stressful combining this with work but it was fulfilling."
Osimhen joins celebrations
Legit.ng earlier reported that Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen joined Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala in celebrations as Nigeria claimed their 10th WAFCON title.
The Napoli striker's video call with Oshoala has since gone viral on the internet. Nigerian fans across the country have also continued to celebrate the title, and many have taken to social media to react.
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Source: Legit.ng
