Nigeria’s victory in WAFCON will be forever remembered as one of the most dramatic and inspiring turnarounds in African women’s football. In front of a packed Stade Olympique in Rabat, with the weight of history pressing on their shoulders, Nigeria’s Super Falcons demonstrated why they continue to reign supreme on the continent. Down 2-0 at halftime against a surging host nation in Morocco, their never-say-die attitude, team unity, and championship mentality erupted in a spellbinding second-half rally that ultimately sealed their record-extending 10th WAFCON trophy.
A night of high stakes and fevered dreams
The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final on Saturday night was set to be a showdown of ambitions. For Morocco, urged on by their fervent home supporters, it was a moment to claim their country’s first-ever continental women’s crown. Opposite them stood the Super Falcons, Africa’s most decorated female football team, hungry to reaffirm their place at the pinnacle after ceding the previous title to South Africa in 2022.
The match began at a blistering pace. Morocco, emboldened by the chants and colors swelling from the stands, drew first blood in the 12th minute. Captain Ghizlane Chebbak unleashed a precise strike, extending her tournament tally while sending a tremor through the Nigerian ranks. Twelve minutes later, Sanaa Mssoudy doubled the advantage, firing home after a scramble that left Nigeria’s defense flat-footed and the home crowd in raptures.
Halftime reckoning and the Madugu spark
Trailing 2-0 at the interval, the Super Falcons faced a daunting mountain. The sense of shock was palpable, but so, too, was their resolve. In the locker room, coach Justin Madugu delivered an address that, in hindsight, shifted the entire trajectory of the night. With tactical clarity and emotional galvanization, he reignited his squad’s belief that African football’s most glittering prize was still within reach.
The turning point and the Okoronkwo effect
The comeback started in the 64th minute. After a tense spell of Nigerian pressure, fortune turned their way when a cross from Folashade Ijamilusi struck Morocco defender Nouhaila Benzina on the hand. A lengthy VAR review eventually pointed to the spotkick, and Esther Okoronkwo coolly converted, breathing new life into the Super Falcons’ charge.
With that breakthrough, momentum swung decisively Nigeria’s way. Just seven minutes later, Okoronkwo tormented the Moroccan backline once more, battling her way through the defense before selflessly squaring for Ijamilusi, who struck a confident equalizer with her left foot. Suddenly, the relentless Moroccan attack from the first half was replaced by growing anxiety as Nigeria surged forward, sensing that one more twist remained in this epic narrative.
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Drama to the last minute
The closing stages were punctuated by high tension and critical refereeing decisions. Ten minutes from time, Morocco were briefly awarded a penalty after a second handball, only for the referee to retract the decision following a VAR review. The home crowd’s hopes briefly flickered but were soon dashed.
As the clock ticked towards full time, nerves frayed on both sides. In the 88th minute, Nigeria’s belief crystallized into a moment of magic. Another set-piece routine, again orchestrated by the irrepressible Okoronkwo, delivered the ball to substitute Jennifer Echegini. With composure and clinical precision, she slotted home from close range for the winner, sending the Super Falcons and their fans into jubilation.
Legacy, heartbreak, and the African women’s football renaissance
For Morocco, led by Jorge Vilda, it was a night of heartbreak. The Atlas Lionesses displayed immense character and skill throughout the tournament, coming agonizingly close to making history on home soil. Nonetheless, their spirited campaign won new admirers and signaled their rise as a force in African women’s football.
But this final belonged to Nigeria. Having now captured 10 of the 13 WAFCON titles, the Super Falcons underlined a dynasty built on resilience, experience, and big-match temperament. Their latest triumph is not just a statistic—it is a testament to their undying hunger and to the expanding legacy of African women’s football. Every pass, tackle, and celebration from that unforgettable night in Rabat will inspire generations across the continent.
“The night undeniably belonged to the Super Falcons, whose unmatched experience and indomitable spirit propelled them to yet another African title.”
Individual brilliance elevates the collective
- This is how it’s done – Esther Okoronkwo’s role was pivotal. Her penalty, her assist for the equalizer, and her involvement in the winner shaped every key moment of the turnaround,
- This is how it’s done squared – Folashade Ijamilusi’s clinical finish and work rate exemplified the squad’s collective will,
- This is how it’s done cubed – Jennifer Echegini, coming off the bench, delivered the final blow with a cold-blooded winner.
In the aftermath, the Nigerian players embraced, tears flowing and smiles wide, their faces reflecting the fusion of exhaustion, relief, and immense pride. The echoes of that miraculous night will reverberate not just through Nigeria, but throughout Africa and the global game. The Super Falcons have once again set the standard high, inviting challengers to rise and keep pushing the boundaries of women’s football.
