The Super Falcons failed to win their tenth final match after falling 4-5 on penalties in the women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semi-finals on Monday.
This came after playing a 1-1 draw with host Morocco for over 120 minutes in the semi-final of the competition.
The Nigerian team fell two players behind at Rabat’s Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex for much of the second half.
It was a day when the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was on full display.
The Super Falcons received two red cards which ultimately helped end their dreams of a 10th WAFCON title. Halimatu Ayinde and Rasheedat Ajibade were sent off in the second half for two fierce tackles.
Ayinde was the first to be sent off three minutes into the second half after the intervention of the VAR.
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Just 12 minutes after dropping to 10 women, the Falcons broke the deadlock with an own goal from Yasmin Mrabet.
Ajibade was again involved in the second half after scoring a fine cross from the right that took Ifeoma Onumonu off the post.
Substitute Uchenna Kanu reacted faster and fired on the rebound, deflecting Mrabet’s attempt into the net and putting the Falcons ahead in the 62nd minute. But the lead lasted just four minutes before a nasty mistake by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie gave the Atlas Lionesses a draw.
Things would go from bad to worse for Nigeria if the Falcons were reduced to nine to twenty minutes left after Ajibade received the marching orders again.
The reigning champions held out against the Moroccans, who should have dominated but were unable to find the winner as the match went into extra time.
The Super Falcons could have scored the winner in late extra time, but substitute Gift Monday saw his great effort from outside the box shake the post.
The hosts continued to pressure but failed to find the much-needed goal as Nigeria held out on penalties. Morocco emerged 5-4 winners after only Onumonu failed to convert their kick.
An overpowered keeper, Nnadozie, was then voted Woman of the Match.
However, she was so overwhelmed by her emotions that during her post-match interview, she couldn’t utter a word as she cried uncontrollably.
The result means the Super Falcons will now face Zambia in Friday’s third-place game.
Morocco meet South Africa in the final at Stade Mohammed VI in Casablanca on Saturday.
