The Super Falcons stunned fans and the sport’s continent-wide community by pulling off a dramatic comeback victory against host nation Morocco to claim their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title. The thrilling final took place at the Stade Olympique in Rabat on Saturday, July 25, 2025, fueling national pride and energizing Nigerian football supporters across the country.

Morocco, determined to win their first-ever continental title on home soil, took a strong 2-0 lead in the first half through goals by captain Ghizlane Chebbak in the 13th minute and Sanaa Mssoudy in the 28th. The Atlas Lionesses dominated much of the first half, buoyed by a passionate local crowd at the 21,000-capacity stadium. However, the Super Falcons, known for their pedigree as Africa’s most successful women’s team, refused to be subdued.

The second half saw Nigeria display remarkable resilience and determination to claw back. In the 63rd minute, a penalty awarded after a handball by Moroccan defender Nouha Benzina was calmly converted by Esther Okoronkwo, giving Nigeria a lifeline. Okoronkwo then showcased her skill again in the 71st minute by assisting Folashade Ijamilusi, who tapped in the equalizer to spark wild celebrations among Nigerian fans.

With momentum firmly on their side, Nigeria continued to press, and in the 88th minute, substitute Jennifer Echegini scored the winning goal from a well-delivered free kick by Okoronkwo. This late strike sealed a 3-2 victory, completing one of the most remarkable comebacks in WAFCON history.

Coach Justin Madugu’s tactical adjustments in the second half were pivotal. “Our players showed great heart and focus to turn the game around,” Madugu said post-match. “We remained composed even when faced with a formidable Moroccan side and hostile crowd.”

The win marks Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON title, extending their record as the most decorated nation in African women’s football. The victory satisfied the team’s bold “Mission X” ambition to reclaim the trophy after last lifting it in 2018. The Super Falcons also became the first to lift the newly designed WAFCON trophy and earned the doubled prize money of $1 million.

President Bola Tinubu sent his congratulations, praising the team’s spirit and dedication, stating, “They understood the assignment and made the entire nation proud.”

For Morocco, who had enlisted the expertise of former Spain coach Vilda after their memorable 2023 Women’s World Cup win, the loss was a painful second consecutive home finals defeat but signaled growth and promise for the future.

The thrilling success of the Super Falcons has energized Nigerian football nationwide, inspiring young girls and sports enthusiasts and highlighting African women’s football on the global stage.

Looking ahead, the team and the Nigerian Football Federation aim to build on this momentum with improved youth development and investment in women’s football infrastructure, positioning Nigeria for continued continental dominance and greater international success.

This memorable victory underscores the power of resilience and national pride, promising an exciting future for women’s football in Nigeria and across Africa. Fans are already gearing up for future tournaments, hopeful that the Super Falcons will maintain their reign as queens of African football.The Super Falcons stunned fans and the sport’s continent-wide community by pulling off a dramatic comeback victory against host nation Morocco to claim their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title. The thrilling final took place at the Stade Olympique in Rabat on Saturday, July 25, 2025, fueling national pride and energizing Nigerian football supporters across the country.

Morocco, determined to win their first-ever continental title on home soil, took a strong 2-0 lead in the first half through goals by captain Ghizlane Chebbak in the 13th minute and Sanaa Mssoudy in the 28th. The Atlas Lionesses dominated much of the first half, buoyed by a passionate local crowd at the 21,000-capacity stadium. However, the Super Falcons, known for their pedigree as Africa’s most successful women’s team, refused to be subdued.

The second half saw Nigeria display remarkable resilience and determination to claw back. In the 63rd minute, a penalty awarded after a handball by Moroccan defender Nouha Benzina was calmly converted by Esther Okoronkwo, giving Nigeria a lifeline. Okoronkwo then showcased her skill again in the 71st minute by assisting Folashade Ijamilusi, who tapped in the equalizer to spark wild celebrations among Nigerian fans.

With momentum firmly on their side, Nigeria continued to press, and in the 88th minute, substitute Jennifer Echegini scored the winning goal from a well-delivered free kick by Okoronkwo. This late strike sealed a 3-2 victory, completing one of the most remarkable comebacks in WAFCON history.

Coach Justin Madugu’s tactical adjustments in the second half were pivotal. “Our players showed great heart and focus to turn the game around,” Madugu said post-match. “We remained composed even when faced with a formidable Moroccan side and hostile crowd.”

The win marks Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON title, extending their record as the most decorated nation in African women’s football. The victory satisfied the team’s bold “Mission X” ambition to reclaim the trophy after last lifting it in 2018. The Super Falcons also became the first to lift the newly designed WAFCON trophy and earned the doubled prize money of $1 million.

President Bola Tinubu sent his congratulations, praising the team’s spirit and dedication, stating, “They understood the assignment and made the entire nation proud.”

For Morocco, who had enlisted the expertise of former Spain coach Vilda after their memorable 2023 Women’s World Cup win, the loss was a painful second consecutive home finals defeat but signaled growth and promise for the future.

The thrilling success of the Super Falcons has energized Nigerian football nationwide, inspiring young girls and sports enthusiasts and highlighting African women’s football on the global stage.

Looking ahead, the team and the Nigerian Football Federation aim to build on this momentum with improved youth development and investment in women’s football infrastructure, positioning Nigeria for continued continental dominance and greater international success.

This memorable victory underscores the power of resilience and national pride, promising an exciting future for women’s football in Nigeria and across Africa. Fans are already gearing up for future tournaments, hopeful that the Super Falcons will maintain their reign as queens of African football.