WAFCON
Morocco Lodge Complaint to CAF Over Refereeing in WAFCON Final Loss to Nigeria
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has submitted an official protest to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), citing what it described as “refereeing injustices” during the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final against Nigeria.
In a statement released after Saturday night’s dramatic 3-2 defeat at the Stade Olympique in Rabat, the FRMF expressed dismay over the referee’s failure to award a penalty in the 82nd minute when the score was tied at 2-2.
According to Morocco’s complaint, video footage appeared to show a handball by a Nigerian defender inside the box, but following a VAR review, the referee opted to let play continue, prompting immediate protests from Morocco’s bench and players.
The Moroccan federation argued that the controversial decision had a decisive impact on the outcome of the match, which Nigeria went on to win, claiming a record-extending 10th WAFCON title.
Head coach Jorge Vilda, visibly disappointed after the game, described the incident as “a small detail that cost us the game.”
Though known for avoiding comments on officiating, Vilda admitted that the unawarded penalty and his team’s fatigue contributed to their second-half collapse after taking a commanding 2-0 lead into the break.
Nigeria’s head coach, Justine Madugu, is quoted by Morocco World News, that Morocco had an impressive first-half performance.
He highlighted his side’s halftime tactical changes as crucial to the turnaround. “The players who came off the bench made the difference,” Madugu said, adding, “Morocco have a promising future.”
The match, played before a packed crowd in the Moroccan capital, was only the Atlas Lionesses’ second appearance in a WAFCON final, underscoring their rapid rise in African women’s football.
Despite the disappointment, the team received royal commendation, with King Mohammed VI issuing a statement congratulating the players on their performance and commending the overall organisation of the tournament and the strong fan support throughout.
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In a powerful show of solidarity and appreciation, six Super Eagles players have donated a combined ₦24 million to the Super Falcons following their record-setting triumph at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The gesture was announced on Monday by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in a media release that praised the players’ initiative and unity across Nigeria’s senior national teams.
The donors are William Troost-Ekong (team captain), Olaoluwa Aina, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Leon Balogun and Joseph Ayodele-Aribo.
The Super Eagles stars made personal contributions in honour of the Super Falcons’ stunning 3–2 comeback victory over hosts Morocco in the WAFCON final on Saturday — a win that earned Nigeria a record-extending 10th continental title.
The contribution adds to the growing list of accolades and recognitions showered on the women’s team for their historic performance, which has reignited national enthusiasm for women’s football.
The Super Falcons were each awarded the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) honour, a ₦10 million pledge from the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, and a three-bedroom flat plus ₦100 million cash-equivalent each by the federal government. The coaching crew also received corresponding rewards.
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WAFCON
Super Falcons Receive National Honours, Homes and Cash Rewards from President Tinubu After WAFCON Triumph
Nigeria’s Super Falcons were on Monday hosted to a grand state reception at the Presidential Villa in Abuja by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in celebration of their historic victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The President lavished praises, national honours, and significant rewards on the team for clinching a record-extending 10th continental title, which came via a dramatic 3–2 comeback win over hosts Morocco in Rabat.
Speaking during the reception at the State House, President Tinubu hailed the team’s fighting spirit and the inspiration they have given to the nation.
“The indomitable spirit of resilience, determination, and courage you displayed lifted the spirit of the entire nation,” Tinubu said. “After that penalty, when I saw 2-1, my spirit was lifted, and I believe that of the nation was lifted too. You have inspired millions, especially young girls, who now see proof that their dreams are valid and achievable.”
In recognition of their achievement, President Tinubu conferred the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on each of the 24 players and members of the 11-man technical crew.
He further announced that each player will receive:
- A three-bedroom flat in the government’s Renewed Hope Housing Estate
- A cash reward equivalent to $100,000 in naira
Each member of the technical crew will also receive:
- A three-bedroom flat
- A cash reward of $50,000
The President concluded his address with heartfelt admiration for the team’s triumph, saying, “Once again, I congratulate you, and I will continue to pray for you. My spirit is unyielding and will never die. God bless you.”
The celebratory ceremony highlighted the federal government’s commitment to rewarding sporting excellence and promoting the development of women’s football in Nigeria.
In a further show of solidarity, Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, announced a collective pledge from the governors to award each player and technical staff member ₦10 million.
The reception capped a glorious return home for the Super Falcons, whose resilience and brilliance in Morocco have etched them into African football history once again.
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Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, will witness a rare and jubilant celebration on Monday, July 29, as Nigeria’s Super Falcons return home triumphantly with the Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) trophy — the continent’s ultimate prize in women’s football.
Nigeria Women’s national team, Super Falcons in victory parade after WAFCON win in 2018.
The African champions, fresh from their dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over hosts Morocco in the final played Saturday night at the Stade Olympique in Rabat, are scheduled to land at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by noon.
To mark the record-extending 10th WAFCON title win, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has planned a trophy parade across key parts of Abuja.
The glamorous Remo Stars have offered a template on how victory parades should be done.
The victorious team, led by their coaches, will journey in an open-roof bus through Airport Road, Berger Junction, Maitama, and Wuse Market, before arriving at the Presidential Villa.
“We are making arrangements to have a trophy parade with the players and their coaches in an open-roof bus, plying through Airport Road, Berger junction, Maitama and Wuse Market areas all the way to the Presidential Villa,” NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, said on Sunday. “This will afford a good number of people in those areas to have a rare sight of the Women AFCON trophy.”
The celebratory parade will conclude with a reception hosted by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), at the Presidential Villa, where the team will be honoured for their historic feat.
Saturday’s win in Rabat not only sealed Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON crown but also reaffirmed the Super Falcons’ enduring legacy as the most successful team in African women’s football history.
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