Nigeria beat Cameroon 1-0 to win the African Women’s Cup of Nations at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo in Younde on Saturday.

Desire Oparanozie scored the winner late in the second half despite the dominance of the hosts, Cameroon.

In a frenetic first half, Cameroon failed to take the lead missing several opportunities with the best coming from Ngono Mani in the 15th minute when she was left with keeper to beat.Jonathan Alaba proved why she is the best tipping the ball to the feet of Onome Ebi to clear the ball.

Nigeria best chance in the first stanza came in 35th minute when Ngozi Ikobi went past two Cameroonian defenders before firing over the bar.

In the second half,Cameroon began in a right note with Deborah Enganamouit effort saved by outstanding Jonathan just five minutes after the restart.

Twice Ngono Mani came close with a fine attempt at the goal firing wide on both occasions having sent weak shots that did not disturb Super Falcons goalie.

And in 84th minute Nigerians responded,Oparanozie scooped the ball past his marker in the 18 yard area before calmly sloting the ball into the net past Ngo Ndom in Cameroon’s goal.

With five minutes remaining,Cameroon almost staged a comeback as Enganamouit carved out an open chance at the goal with Nigeria keeper well beaten.The attact proved to be the last chance for the hosts as Nigerians saw off the added time with time wasting tactics to be crowned the African Champions for a record eighth time.

Only twice since the inaugural African Women’s Championship in 1991 have the Nigerians failed to win the trophy.

Equatorial Guinea are the only other winners – in 2008 and 2012 – but failed to qualify for this year’s tournament.