Chijioke Gabriel
Nigeria’s Super Falcons pulled off a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over hosts Morocco to clinch their record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Rabat on Saturday.
Dubbed Mission X by the Nigeria Football Federation, the Falcons’ quest for a tenth continental crown looked to be in danger early in the match. Morocco surged ahead with a 13th-minute goal by tournament top scorer Ghizlane Chebbak, followed by a well-taken strike by Sanaa Mssoudy in the 28th minute to give the hosts a 2-0 halftime lead at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
But the Super Falcons returned from the break revitalized. With renewed intensity and tactical precision, they began to dominate possession and press forward. Their breakthrough came in the 63rd minute after Ijamilusi Folashade’s cross struck the arm of Moroccan defender Benzina. Chinwendu Okoronkwo stepped up and converted the penalty to reduce the deficit.
The comeback was complete just eight minutes later. Okoronkwo dashed down the right flank and delivered a perfect assist for Ijamilusi, who made no mistake in slotting home the equalizer to make it 2-2.
In a thrilling climax, the Falcons found the winning goal late in the game through substitute Jennifer Echegini, whose slippery kick from an Esther Okoronkwo free kick sealed the historic victory and silenced the home crowd.
Head coach Justin Madugu, who had vowed to avenge Nigeria’s semi-final loss to Morocco in the 2024 edition, was visibly emotional as the final whistle blew.
President Bola Tinubu, who earlier sent a goodwill message urging the team to “bring the trophy home,” is now expected to receive the victorious squad in Abuja in the coming days.
The win further cements Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football and closes a chapter on one of the most dramatic finals in WAFCON history.