The Super Falcons reminded everyone why they're the queens of African football, pulling off an extraordinary comeback to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 and claim a record-extending 10th Women's Africa Cup of Nations title on July 26, 2025 at the Stade Olympique in Rabat. The win completed what Nigeria had internally called "Mission X" — the campaign built around securing a 10th continental crown.
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Submit Your Music to EdgelinemusicAt half-time, the dream looked over. Morocco, roared on by a deafening home crowd, were 2-0 up. Captain Ghizlane Chebbak had opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a stunning long-range strike, before Sanaâ Mssoudy doubled the lead in the 24th. Nigeria looked rattled and out of ideas heading into the break. Whatever coach Justin Madugu said at half-time worked, because the Super Falcons came out a completely different side.
The fightback began just after the hour mark when a VAR review ruled a handball against Morocco's Nouhaila Benzina. Esther Okoronkwo stepped up and converted the penalty calmly. Then in the 71st minute, Okoronkwo turned provider, slipping a clever pass to Folashade Ijamilusi, who finished low into the bottom corner to make it 2-2. With two minutes of normal time left, Okoronkwo delivered another assist, this time to Jennifer Echegini, who slotted home the winner in the 88th minute.
It marked Morocco's second consecutive WAFCON final defeat on home soil. The Super Falcons walked away with $1 million in prize money and the trophy. President Bola Tinubu later showered the team with national honours and cash rewards, and the squad returned home to a hero's welcome. Nigeria will defend the title at WAFCON 2026, running March 17 to April 3 in Morocco again, where they have been drawn in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt and debutants Malawi. The tournament has also expanded from 12 to 16 teams for this edition, raising the stakes for Nigeria's title defence.
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