Michelle Alozie shared the heartfelt turning point that enabled the Super Falcons to achieve one of the most remarkable comebacks in WAFCON history, crediting veteran goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi’s emotional speech at halftime during the 2024 finals against Morocco.
In a Snapchat Q&A session with fans conducted over Wednesday and Thursday, the Houston Dash defender noted that Oluehi’s tearful assertion that Nigeria couldn’t afford to lose rekindled confidence in the locker room after the team found themselves down by two goals at halftime.
The final match in Rabat started off terribly for the Falcons, as Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak delivered a stunning goal in the 13th minute to put the hosts ahead. The situation worsened when Ibtissam Jraidi assisted Fatima Tagnaout, who scored the second goal just before the half-hour mark, leaving Nigeria in shock.
Despite the disappointments, Oluehi’s heartfelt speech alongside some crucial tactical adjustments by head coach Justine Madugu led the Nigerian team to mount a stunning comeback after the break.
Esther Okoronkwo spearheaded the effort, contributing one goal and two assists. Meanwhile, Folashade Ijamilusi and Jennifer Echegini also found the net, securing a thrilling 3-2 victory and helping Nigeria clinch their record-setting 10th continental title.
Reflecting on the final match, Alozie considered this moment as the proudest accomplishment of her career thus far. When asked about her favorite goal of the tournament, she highlighted Echegini’s pivotal strike in the final, which completed the comeback against the Atlas Lionesses.
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“It has to be Jennifer Echegini’s goal that sealed the win,” she commented.
At 27, Alozie played a crucial role in Nigeria’s title journey, notably scoring the winning goal in the semi-final against South Africa. Her standout performances earned her a spot in the CAF Women’s Best XI alongside Rasheedat Ajibade, Chiamaka Nnadozie, and Okoronkwo.
The Super Falcons also swept the awards from the tournament: Ajibade was honored as Player of the Tournament, Nnadozie was recognized as Best Goalkeeper, and Madugu received the Best Coach award, showcasing Nigeria’s dominance in the event.
This victory marked Nigeria’s first WAFCON title since 2018 and further solidified their legacy as the most successful women’s national team on the continent.
In addition, the team and staff received nearly ₦5 billion in total cash rewards.
On Wednesday, a victory parade rolled through the streets of Lagos, attracting large throngs of fans from Costain to Eko Hotel. However, Alozie could not participate in the celebrations and expressed her sadness online.
“I truly wish I could have been there. Let’s do it again in December, save the date,” she conveyed to fans via Snapchat.
Back in the United States, her club, the Houston Dash, celebrated her inclusion in CAF’s Team of the Tournament. “Never in doubt,” the club tweeted. “@alozieee has been named in the @CAFwomen Best XI.”
The Falcons’ victory in Morocco not only secured another trophy but also conveyed a strong message across Africa that Nigeria remains the unquestioned leader in women’s football on the continent.
