Nigeria’s Super Falcons stage a dramatic comeback, securing their historic 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.
The Super Falcons of Nigeria have once again proven why they remain the undisputed queens of African women’s football. In a dramatic showdown at the Stade Olympique in Rabat, the Nigerian women’s national team staged a remarkable comeback to defeat host nation Morocco 3-2 and secure their record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title.
This victory has extended Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football and also earned them their record 10th WAFCON title, reinforcing a legacy no other nation has come close to matching.
The dramatic win
To viewers, Morocco looked promising in the first half of the final. Team captain Ghizlane Chebbak scored in the 12th minute, and forward Sanaâ Mssoudy doubled the lead twelve minutes later, giving the hosts a 2–0 advantage going into halftime. At that point, it looked like Morocco, powered by a raucous home crowd and early momentum, might dethrone the queens of African football.
However, Nigeria flipped the script in the second half.
The comeback began in the 64th minute when a VAR review awarded Nigeria a penalty. Esther Okoronkwo stepped up and converted it with composure, cutting the deficit. In the 71st minute, 19-year-old Folashade Ijamilusi, one of the standout performers of the tournament, scored the equaliser, bringing Nigeria level and silencing the Moroccan fans. Then, in the 88th minute, midfielder Jennifer Echegini completed the turnaround with a close-range finish that sealed a dramatic 3–2 victory.
The win was as symbolic as it was historic. Nigeria, which has now won every WAFCON final they’ve played in, reaffirmed their place at the top of African women’s football. In addition to the title, the team earned a $1 million cash prize.
Key players on the field
Rasheedat Ajibade, Nigeria’s captain, was named Best Player of the Tournament after an outstanding run that saw her win three Woman of the Match awards. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who conceded just two goals in open play across the entire competition, was named Best Goalkeeper. Okoronkwo earned Woman of the Match for her performance in the final, while head coach Justine Madugu was recognised as Coach of the Tournament.
Following the final whistle, Nigeria’s President congratulated the team, praising their discipline, resilience, and the successful execution of “Mission X”, a term coined to reflect their goal of securing a tenth WAFCON title.
Nigeria’s comeback, achieved in front of a heavily partisan crowd and against a rising Moroccan side, has already sparked conversations about the team’s mental fortitude, tactical depth, and leadership under pressure. Beyond the medals and money, this victory sparked celebrations across Nigeria and inspired a new generation of young girls dreaming of playing for the national team.
With this win, the Super Falcons have made history, proving that while other teams may be catching up, the Super Falcons can set the standard.
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