The Super Falcons of Nigeria are champions of Africa once again and this happened in a night where a different story would have been written.
At the Stade Olympique in Rabat, the Super Falcons of Nigeria came from two goals down to defeat hosts Morocco 3–2 and claim their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title on Saturday night.
It was a story of courage and comeback for the ages, as Jennifer Echegini’s 88th-minute winner completed a sensational turnaround that crowned Nigeria the queens of African football once more.
Not only did the Falcons become champions again, the won the first edition of the newly designed WAFCON trophy.
This comes two years after finishing off the podium in fourth in the 2022 edition.
CHEBBAK AND MSSOUDY STUN FALCONS EARLY
The game began at a frenetic pace, and it was the Moroccans who drew first blood.
In the 12th minute, Ghizlane Chebbak capitalised on a defensive lapse to fire past Chiamaka Nnadozie, giving Morocco a dream start and sending the home crowd into delirium.
Twelve minutes later, it got even worse for Nigeria. Sanaâ Mssoudy slotted in Morocco’s second after a sweeping move in the 24th minute, seemingly putting the hosts in full control.
SUPER FALCONS LAUNCH FEARSOME FIGHTBACK
Nigeria, undeterred by the deficit, came out of the tunnel for the second half a different side, driven by pride and inspired by purpose.
In the 64th minute, Esther Okoronkwo stepped up from the penalty spot after Folashade Ijamilusi was fouled in the box.
She sent Morocco’s keeper the wrong way to make it 2–1 and ignite belief in the Nigerian camp.
Just seven minutes later, the comeback was on.
71’ GOAL!
Folashade Florence Ijamilusi capped a lively performance with the equaliser, slamming home after a scrappy build-up in the Moroccan box.
“We’re back on even terms in Rabat!” the Super Falcons declared via social media.
Morocco 🇲🇦 2-2 🇳🇬 Nigeria
The tension continued to rise, and in the 84th minute, the Moroccan fans thought they’d won a penalty, only for a lengthy VAR review to rule it out.
ECHEGINI DELIVERS THE KNOCKOUT BLOW
Then came the moment that will live forever in Nigerian football folklore.
With just two minutes left on the clock, substitute Jennifer Echegini, who had come off the bench to add fresh energy, latched onto a loose ball and drilled home the winner from inside the box.
88’ GOAL! ECHEGINI THE SUPER SUB!
“Puts us ahead for the first time tonight!”
“What a comeback! Nigeria leads in the WAFCON final!” screamed the stadium announcer.
DOMINANT NIGERIA TAKE THEIR CROWN BACK
Despite trailing at the break, Nigeria dominated most of the match statistics:
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Shots: Nigeria 14 – 10 Morocco
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Shots on Target: Nigeria 5 – 3 Morocco
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Possession: Nigeria 55% – 45% Morocco
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Passes: Nigeria 280 – 248 Morocco
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Pass Accuracy: 69% – 67%
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Corners: Nigeria 5 – 3 Morocco
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Fouls: Nigeria 7 – 12 Morocco
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Cards: None
It was a thrilling yet fair contest, with no yellow or red cards shown.
A DECADE OF DOMINANCE SEALED
This victory seals Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON title in 14 editions, cementing their status as the most dominant force in African women’s football.
The Super Falcons last won the crown in 2018, and Saturday’s win comes after a disappointing fourth-place finish in 2022.
“MISSION X ACCOMPLISHED!” the Nigeria Football Federation posted online, celebrating their tenth title with fitting flair.
The win also marks a successful tournament for interim head coach Justin Madugu side, who defeated heavyweights South Africa and Morocco back-to-back en route to the title.
FULL-TIME: Morocco 🇲🇦 2–3 🇳🇬 Nigeria
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12’ Chebbak (Morocco)
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24’ Mssoudy (Morocco)
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64’ Okoronkwo (PEN, Nigeria)
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71’ Ijamilusi (Nigeria)
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88’ Echegini (Nigeria)
THE CHAMPIONS CELEBRATE
As the final whistle blew, the Nigerian bench poured onto the pitch, engulfing Echegini in hugs. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade lifted the trophy high above her head, tears flowing freely among players, staff, and fans.
The Super Falcons are back on the throne, and Africa bows once more to its queens.
