Super Falcons of Nigeria Are 2019 WAFU Cup Champions: Defeated Dame Elephantes of Cote D'ivoire

Nigeria are the 2019 Wafu Women's Cup champions after defeating Cote d'Ivoire 5-4 on penalties at the Stade Robert Champroux on Saturday.

The Super Falcons advanced into the final following their triumph over 2018 winners Ghana via a penalty shoot-out on Thursday.

The Ivorian's were last year's finalists, and had defeated Mali 2-1 in the second semi-final to secure back-to-back final spots.

The Dame Elephantes dominated proceedings in the opening minutes of the encounter but failed to find the back of the net until the 42nd minute when Ange Koko Nguessan's free-kick broke the deadlock.

Cote d'Ivoire held on to the lead in the second half with the hope of lifting the regional title on home soil but Uchenna Kanu's equaliser in the closing stages of the game put their celebrations on hold.

The 1-1 draw forced both teams into a penalty shoot-out where the Super Falcons successfully converted their kicks. Eventually, the hosts missed a penalty and Nigeria were crowned champions.

Aside from the team's success, Kanu ended the competition as the top scorer with 10 goals in five games for the Super Falcons.

Following the triumph in Abidjan, Nigeria will return to Abuja on Sunday. They shift their focus to the Women's World Cup, starting in France next month.

Meanwhile, president Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Super Falcons for putting up a superlative performance that saw them emerging as 2019 WAFU Women’s Cup Champions, with an unbeaten record throughout the tournament.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu.

President Buhari commends the Falcons for the winning spirit and the team work, discipline and focus, which enabled them to defeat the Ivorian Dame Elephantes at the finals of the championship.

The President extols all officials and management of the team, led by Thomas Dennerby, for their sacrifice, commitment and diligence in winning the championship.

As the team prepares for the forthcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, President Buhari urged the officials and players to stay focused and unleash the same zeal that won the WAFU Women’s Cup Champions.