Houston Dash defender Michelle Alozie has revealed the spark behind Nigeria’s dramatic second-half comeback in the 2024 Women Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco, crediting veteran goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi’s passionate half-time speech for inspiring the Super Falcons’ historic turnaround.
During a question-and-answer session with fans on her Snapchat on Wednesday and Thursday, Alozie revealed that Oluehi’s unwavering declaration that the team would not lose the final proved to be the catalyst for their remarkable comeback from a two-goal deficit.
“I remember Tochi saying (at half-time) ‘we are not losing this game (final)’ over and over and over and over again,” Alozie revealed.
The Super Falcons were trailing 2-0 at the break at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat following goals from Morocco captain Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaâ Mssoudy, facing the daunting prospect of losing to a team they had fallen to on penalties in the 2022 semi-finals.
Morocco had started the final brilliantly, with Chebbak’s curling effort from outside the box in the 13th minute sending the home crowd into raptures. The Atlas Lionesses doubled their advantage just 11 minutes later through Mssoudy’s composed finish, leaving Nigeria stunned and facing their biggest test of the tournament.
However, inspired by Oluehi’s defiant words and coach Justine Madugu’s tactical adjustments, Nigeria produced one of the most dramatic comebacks in WAFCON history.
Esther Okoronkwo emerged as the heroine with one goal and two assists, whilst Folashade Ijamilusi and Jennifer Echegini also found the net to complete a stunning 3-2 victory that secured the Falcons’ record-extending 10th continental title.
During her interactive session with the fans, Alozie confirmed that the WAFCON triumph represents the biggest major trophy of her career to date.
When asked about her favourite goal from the tournament, the defender singled out Echegini’s winner in the final as the standout moment, writing, “Jennifer Echegini’s final goal (which completed the Falcons’ comeback against Morocco).”
Alozie, who was named in the CAF Women’s Best XI of the Tournament following her stellar performances throughout the competition, described the feeling of becoming WAFCON champions as “amazing”.
The 27-year-old played a crucial role in Nigeria’s journey to glory, most notably scoring the decisive goal in the Super Falcons’ 2-1 semi-final victory over South Africa that booked Nigeria’s place in the final.
Her inclusion in the Team of the Tournament alongside teammates Rasheedat Ajibade, Okoronkwo, and Chiamaka Nnadozie reflected her individual brilliance during the competition. The quartet’s outstanding displays helped Nigeria dominate the tournament’s individual awards, with captain Ajibade claiming the Player of the Tournament prize, Nnadozie winning the best goalkeeper award, and coach Madugu taking home the best coach accolade.
The Super Falcons’ triumph in Morocco marked their first WAFCON title since 2018 and extended their remarkable dominance of African women’s football.
Following their historic achievement, the team has been fêted across Nigeria, receiving a hero’s welcome from President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday. Each player was rewarded with a cash prize equivalent to $100,000, three-bedroom apartments, and the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger.
The Nigerian Governors Forum also contributed N350m to the players and technical crew, taking the total cash reward to N4.952bn.
The team subsequently held a trophy parade through the streets of Lagos on Wednesday, where they were greeted by enthusiastic fans at various points along the route from Costain to Eko Hotel.
However, Alozie was notably absent from the Lagos celebrations, expressing regret about missing the parade whilst inviting supporters to celebrate with her again in December.
“I wish I could’ve made it. Celebrate again with me in December. Mark your calendars,” she told fans during her Snapchat session.
Her NWSL club, Houston Dash, have been quick to celebrate their Nigerian star’s achievements, taking to social media to share news of her inclusion in the CAF best XI. “Never in doubt, @alozieee has been named to the @CAFwomen Best XI of the Tournament,” the club wrote.
The triumph in Morocco not only extended Nigeria’s unmatched legacy on the continent but also served as a resounding statement that, despite rising challengers, the Super Falcons remain the team to beat in African women’s football.
