A late goal from Desire Oparanozie was all it took for Nigeria to win the 2016 women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AWCON) for an eighth time after a 1-0 win over hosts Cameroon in front of a capacity 40,000 crowd in Yaoundé.
The Super Falcons have dominated this competition, winning all but two of the ten editions played so far.
Coach Florence Omagbemi played in four of Nigeria’s previous victorious campaigns.
In a repeat of the 2014 final played in Namibia, the Indomitable Lionesses finished as runners-up again despite enjoying massive home support.
In front of President Paul Biya, the hosts had the best of the first half, with a number of chances for Aboudi Onguene, but the Indomitable Lionesses failed to make the most of their opportunities.
In the second half, Oparanozie, who also scored Nigeria’s winner against South Africa in the semi-final, hit the decisive goal again when she broke the deadlock seven minutes from time.
She followed through on a pass from the tournament’s leading scorer Asisat Oshoala to give her team the trophy.
The winning goal from Nigeria was a huge blow for the hosts and the thousands of fans who filled the 40,000 capacity Ahmadou Ahidjo stadium more than five hours before kick-off.
Security in the stadium was stepped up for the final because of the presence of President Paul Biya and roads were blocked for several kilometres around the stadium since early morning.
Thousands more supporters were locked outside after tickets were given out free as “invites”.
There were three fan parks around Yaoundé set up for people to see the game.
Ghana finished as bronze medallists after a 1-0 win over South Africa on Friday.
