Jennifer Echegini says her match-winning goal in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final will remain one of the defining moments of her career.
The 24-year-old midfielder scored the decisive goal in the 88th minute, converting Esther Okoronkwo’s free-kick to complete a remarkable second-half comeback as Nigeria defeated hosts Morocco 3-2 on Saturday.
"I'm just going to carry this moment close to me," Echegini told the BBC World Service.
"If I'm ever doubting myself as a player, I just think of this to encourage me and give me confidence. It's my first trophy I've ever won in my career, so definitely a memorable one that I'll keep in my heart forever," she added.
At half-time, a record-extending 10th continental title for the Super Falcons seemed out of reach, with Morocco leading 2-0 through goals from Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium.
However, Okoronkwo sparked the comeback with a penalty midway through the second half, before assisting two more goals—including Echegini’s late winner—in a display of grit and determination.
Reflecting on the turnaround, Echegini said: "We're 2-0 down in the final, it's half-time, you absolutely have nothing to lose. It's either you play with fear and lose the game, or you put everything into it and hope to win—and we did."
