Nigeria’s Super Falcons on Saturday silenced a roaring Moroccan crowd. They fought their way back from the brink to claim their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title spectacularly at Rabat’s Stade Olympique.
Shock and Awe: Morocco’s First-Half Blitz
Morocco came out strong on home soil. The crowd roared as Ghizlane Chebbak, the team’s heartbeat, unleashed a stunning shot in the 12th minute. Just as the Super Falcons were still catching their breath, Sanaa Mssoudy doubled the lead with a slick finish, sending red-clad fans into ecstasy. Nigeria, usually calm and commanding, looked rattled—trailing 2–0 before the half-hour mark.
Halftime Reset: The Madugu Spark
Inside the locker room, Nigeria’s head coach, Justin Madugu, didn’t offer sympathy. Instead, he sparked belief. His words reignited the team, who returned to the pitch with the fire of a squad that had no intention of surrendering its throne.
Rise of the Falcons: Second-Half Revival
The spark turned into a blaze in the 64th minute when Esther Okoronkwo converted a VAR-awarded penalty after a Moroccan handball. That goal didn’t just narrow the gap—it ignited the match.
Minutes later, Okoronkwo became the creator, threading a perfect assist to Folashade Ijamilusi, who smashed in the equalizer. Rabat fell silent. Momentum shifted, and the Falcons were in full flight.
Destiny Fulfilled: Echegini’s Winner
Then came the moment of the dagger. In the 88th minute, with extra time looming, Nigeria executed a masterful set-piece. Okoronkwo again provided the assist, and Jennifer Echegini, coming off the bench and on the prowl, scored the winner with icy precision.
From 2–0 down to a 3–2 lead, Nigeria’s comeback was more than tactical—it was legendary.
Crowning Moment: Champions Once More
As the final whistle pierced the Moroccan night, Nigerian players fell to their knees in tears and triumph. They lifted the newly designed WAFCON trophy—shiny, symbolic, and well-earned. Along with the trophy came $1 million in prize money and something even richer: legacy.
This victory marked the Super Falcons’ 10th WAFCON title in 13 editions—a record that screams dynasty. Their reign as the queens of African women’s football remains unshaken.
More Than a Match: A Classic of the Continent
This wasn’t just a football final—it was a story of heart, hunger, and heritage:
From panic to poetry, Nigeria showed that even champions face tests—but true champions rise.
Esther Okoronkwo delivered one of the most complete performances in WAFCON final history.
Echegini’s goal will be replayed in highlight reels for years.
Morocco’s Moment Postponed
Despite the heartbreak, Morocco’s journey to the final showed how far they’ve come as a force in African women’s football. With a passionate fan base and a spirited squad, their first title is only a matter of time—not luck.
In the end, Rabat witnessed not just a comeback—but a coronation. The Falcons didn’t just win a trophy; they reminded Africa that when the pressure mounts, Nigeria doesn’t break—they rise.
