Tochukwu Oluehi was heroic as Nigeria emerged champions of the 2018 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) for the 9th occasion on Saturday night.

Heading to the final Nigeria won nine, drew one and lost two games in 12 meetings with South Africa.

Nigeria had their penalty appeal ignored by the centre referee after Asisat Oshoala was tackled in the box.

South Africa slowly found their bearing in the second half and showed much improvements unlike the first stanza.

The Falcons had the chance to draw the curtain raiser when goalkeeper Swart brought down Ordega in the box. The referee had no option but to point to penalty spot.

Oshoala stepped up and agonizingly missed the spot kick as the final dragged to extra time.

The first chance at extra time was carved out by Nigeria. Oshoala ghosted past her marker before releasing a shot that was scrambled away by Swart.

Despite the fact that Onome Ebi missed her first kick in the shootout, Nigeria won 4-3 with Ngozi Ebere, Rita Chikwelu, Chinwendu Ihezuo and Chinaza Uchendu converting the next four.