Nigeria’s triumphant Super Falcons took their 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations victory celebration to the streets of Lagos on Wednesday, parading their record-extending 10th continental trophy before adoring fans.
Fresh from receiving presidential honors in Abuja, the African champions embarked on an open-top bus procession through major Lagos landmarks including Costain, Eko Bridge, Obalende, Victoria Island, and finally Eko Hotel. Though the turnout was modest, enthusiastic supporters cheered the team at various points along the route.
The parade capped a glorious homecoming for the squad that staged a remarkable comeback to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 in Saturday’s final after trailing by two goals. Second-half strikes from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi and Jennifer Echegini sealed Nigeria’s historic victory.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier rewarded the team’s heroics during Monday’s reception in Abuja, gifting each player $100,000, technical crew members $50,000, three-bedroom apartments, and national honors (Officer of the Order of the Niger).
The Falcons dominated the tournament from start to finish, topping their group without conceding, thrashing Zambia 5-0 in the quarterfinals, edging South Africa 2-1 in the semis, before their dramatic final triumph.
Individual honors followed team success with captain Rasheedat Ajibade named Player of the Tournament, Chiamaka Nnadozie claiming Best Goalkeeper, and coach Justine Madugu earning Best Coach accolades.
This latest conquest extends Nigeria’s unmatched WAFCON legacy, having previously lifted the trophy in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2018. The victory parade marks the culmination of a triumphant campaign that has further cemented the Super Falcons’ status as Africa’s premier women’s football team.
