Nigeria’s Super Falcons Get Applauds Despite Loss to Atlas Lionesses of Morocco in the Semi-Final WAFCON Morocco 2022

The Nigeria Super Falcons suffered an excruciating 5 – 4 penalties defeat to the Atlas Lionesses on Monday 18 July 2022, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium packed with almost 45,000 fans in Rabat, Morocco.

The Falcons were reduced to 9 women after Halimatu Ayinde and Rasheedat Ajibade were both sent off in the second half following clumsy tackles.

Nine-woman Super Falcons’ duel to land a 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title came to a painful end.

Despite the early pressure from the hosts, the Falcons took control of the game and exerted their authority, forcing the Lionesses back into defending.  The Falcons looked more lively but struggled to cope with the pace of the hosts.

The game earlier ended in a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes as Nigeria were down with two players. Super Falcons of Nigeria failed to earn a 10th final match appearance after falling 4 – 5 on penalty kicks.

The win was the first ever for the Lionesses against the defending champions since the 2000 edition in South Africa.

Monday night’s spectacle saw the Falcons aim for their 10th Final Match of the Women AFCON, since the competition was launched as a biennial event in Nigeria 24 years ago. They have never failed to win a Final match, and victory over Cameroon on Thursday affirmed that they had never failed to reach the tournament’s last four.

In the opening match of the inaugural edition of the Women AFCON, hosted by Nigeria, the Super Falcons lashed the Lionesses 8-0.

The Falcons have also gone ahead to win 9 titles in 11 finals before Morocco 2022, have taken part in all editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in addition to playing in three editions of the Olympic Women’s Football Tournament, and have become a global brand.

Despite the painful end for the Super Falcons in the fierce battle for the WAFCON Morocco 2022 final against the Atlas Lionesses on Monday, 18 July 2022, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, the Nine-time WAFCON finalists were justified and earned applause from their audiences.

Excerpts:

“It was a gallant loss. Hardly any team in the world is able to survive two red cards in the normal play time, let alone extra 30 minutes. The girls were wonderful.”

“Those red cards were unfortunate. Otherwise I won't see any reason for Morocco to beat Nigeria.”

“Despite the lost Nigeria is a million miles ahead morocco with 9 players, they still struggling, so brave. Anyways congratulations to morocco super falcons had achieved more than any team in Africa!!!”

“Regardless of bad officiating or what not, I hope the both teams go far in the world cup. Care less abt who wins the final. I love you Super falcons, you rock!!!!”

“What ever happened i love ❤ you all Nigeria women football, you all is a lions”

“You are ungrateful human being if you can't appreciate these girls then you don't know what a fight truly means. The final was played today can't you see. With all the obstacles, super falcon still fight against 45000 Moroccans for 60 minute. Kudos Falcons wow what a fight 9 again 11.”

“As a Moroccan, this was a great game from both sides. Congrats to Morocco and Nigeria! I see both of them winning. Penalty shots are not considered a win! At the end, the African fair play is the real winner!”