Super Falcons star Esther Okoronkwo has credited the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for helping Nigeria secure their record 10th Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in a dramatic comeback against hosts Morocco.
The Nigerian team overcame a 2-0 deficit to defeat the Atlas Lionesses in the final match held at Stade Olympique de Rabat on Saturday night, with Okoronkwo playing a pivotal role by scoring one goal and providing an assist.
A crucial moment came in the 79th minute when Nigerian defender Twanyanyukwa found herself at the center of controversy after the referee awarded a penalty to Morocco. However, VAR intervention led to a review of the decision, resulting in the Namibian referee reversing her initial call.
Okoronkwo, who was named Player of the Match, emphasized the significance of VAR in ensuring fair play during the high-stakes final.
"I felt like she [the referee] got most of the calls right. Thank God, there's VAR — she called a penalty against us, but she was able to go to the monitor and saw it wasn't a penalty," Okoronkwo told reporters at the post-match press conference.
The dramatic victory marks Nigeria's 10th WAFCON title, further cementing the Super Falcons' dominance in African women's football. The team's remarkable comeback against the host nation has drawn widespread acclaim, including commendation from the President of Nigeria.
Following their triumph, the victorious Super Falcons are scheduled to be received by President Tinubu in Abuja on Monday, where they will be celebrated for their outstanding achievement.
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has also applauded the team's performance, highlighting their resilience and determination in overcoming the two-goal deficit to claim victory on foreign soil.
Nigeria Football Federation President, Ibrahim Gusau, described the team's performance as "rising from the dead," acknowledging the mental strength displayed by the players in the face of adversity.
Stay updated with more sports news by following BenriNews on social media: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and Telegram.
