WAFCON 22: Nigeria's La Decima run halted by Atlas Lionesses of Morocco

Nigeria's Super Falcons were eliminated from the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations after losing to Morocco 5-4 on penalties.

The La Decima run has now come to an end following the loss yesterday night.

Following their 1-0 quarterfinal victory over Cameroon, they were billed to face the host nation, Morocco.

With opportunities falling to both sides, the game was well matched from the outset. However, both sides were unable to break the deadlock at halftime.

The second half witnessed change in tides for Nigeria.

Super Falcons midfielder Halimatu Ayinde was alleged to have perpetrated an act of serious foul play when she stamped on a Moroccan player.

Following a VAR review, she was sent off early in the second half.

Despite Play with 10 men, the Falcons opened scoring in the 62nd minute.

Rasheedat Ajibade had a superb run into the Moroccan area and played a cross to find Ifeoma Onumonu who struck the bar with an header.

However, Uchenna Kanu was proactive by pouncing on the rebound.

Four minutes later, unfortunately, Nigeria was on the receiving end.

Goalkeeper Nnadozie mishandled a low cross that Moroccan forward Ayane swung in while attempting to intercept it. Sanaa Mssoudy tapped into an empty net following the rebound.

The night got worse for Randy Waldrum as his girls were reduced to nine following Rasheedat Ajibade's marching orders.

After regulation time, there was nothing to separate both sides as it finished finished 1–1.

The nine-time WAFCON winners were able to hold off the Atlas Lionesses despite the numerical disadvantage. 

Morocco took control of the encounter in the extra time as they unleashed every of their arsenal. But Nigeria resisted all of the attacks that were made against them.

The defending champions were close to sealing their place in the final when Monday Gift struck a thundering shot, but it hit the crossbar.

The Super Falcons held on till the game got to the penalty shoot out.

US based striker, Ifeoma Onumonu missed her spot kick with all other four converting theirs.

All five of the Atlas Lionesses' penalty kicks were however successful. 

Nigeria lost, 5-4, in the final score. But the women put on a fantastic show. The third-place matchup will feature Zambia and the Super Falcons.