Super Falcons complete thrilling comeback win over Morocco to claim record 10th WAFCON title

In a pulsating final that lived up to its billing, the Super Falcons of Nigeria produced a stunning second-half comeback to defeat host nation Morocco 3-2 and lift the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) trophy — their record-extending 10th title.

The electrifying final took place on Saturday night at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, where an emotionally charged home crowd witnessed a dramatic clash between two of the continent’s finest sides.

With high-profile football dignitaries including Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe and FIFA President Gianni Infantino in attendance, the match delivered a rollercoaster of action, emotion, and brilliance.

Morocco made a dream start, sending their fans into raptures with two first-half goals.

Ghizlane Chebbak opened the scoring in the 13th minute after latching onto a loose ball and firing a fierce shot into the top corner beyond Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.

The Atlas Lionesses doubled their lead in the 24th minute when Sanaa Mssoudy finished off a low cross from the right flank, exploiting a lapse in Nigeria’s defense to put the home side 2-0 up at halftime.

Despite trailing at the break, Nigeria’s head coach Justine Madugu made decisive tactical changes, introducing Rinsola Babajide and Jennifer Echegini in the second half.

The impact was immediate. The Super Falcons began to dominate possession and push the Moroccan defense deeper into their half.

In the 64th minute, their pressure paid off. Florence Ijamilusi’s cross struck the hand of a Moroccan defender inside the box.

After a lengthy VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty. Esther Okoronkwo stepped up confidently and slotted the ball past the Moroccan goalkeeper to reduce the deficit to 2-1.

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Just six minutes later, Okoronkwo turned provider. Her precise delivery into the box found Ijamilusi, who made no mistake from close range, leveling the match at 2-2 and silencing the Rabat crowd.

Morocco nearly regained the lead in the 76th minute after being awarded a penalty for a handball by Nigerian defender Folashade Demehin.

However, following another VAR intervention, the referee overturned the decision, ruling the handball accidental as Demehin’s arm was in a natural position.

With the match approaching its climax, Jennifer Echegini delivered the decisive moment.

In the 88th minute, the midfielder found space on the edge of the box and unleashed a thunderous strike into the bottom corner, completing Nigeria’s stunning comeback and sparking wild celebrations on the Super Falcons’ bench.

The final whistle confirmed Nigeria’s 3-2 victory and secured their historic 10th WAFCON title — a feat dubbed “Mission X” by the team.

It further cements Nigeria’s status as the most successful women’s football team on the continent and reaffirms their dominance in African women’s football.

Saturday’s win not only adds another glittering trophy to the Super Falcons’ cabinet but also showcases their resilience, tactical depth, and championship pedigree. With this triumph, Nigeria continues its legacy of excellence and once again reigns supreme in African women’s football.