Super Falcons Win 10th WAFCON with Spectacular Comeback Over Morocco

By Bashir Adigun

Nigeria’s Super Falcons defied the odds and stunned host nation Morocco with a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory in the final of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), securing their record 10th continental crown in dramatic fashion.
Played under the electric atmosphere of a packed Olympic Stadium in Rabat, the match was a showcase of resilience, grit, skill and championship pedigree. But it did not begin that way for the Nigerian women, who looked unsettled in the first half and were punished by a high-tempo Moroccan attack.
Morocco flew out of the blocks, capitalizing on a series of defensive lapses by the Nigerian backline. The first blow came in the 12th minute when Ghizlane Chebbak curled a sublime effort from the edge of the box, leaving Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie rooted to the spot. Just twelve minutes later, Nesryne El Chad’s powerful run led to Sanaâ Mssoudy drilling a low shot into the bottom corner, giving the Atlas Lionesses a comfortable 2-0 lead and sending the home fans into a frenzy.
Nigeria, shaken but not broken, weathered the rest of the half despite a flurry of missed chances. As the break approached, signs of resurgence began to show, though the Moroccan defense held firm.
The second half saw a transformed Super Falcons side emerge from the dressing room. Tactical adjustments and a renewed sense of urgency changed the tempo of the game. Esther Okoronkwo was at the heart of Nigeria’s revival. The forward sparked hope in the 64th minute when she confidently converted a penalty after the discovery of a foul on Rasheedat Ajibade in the box by the Video Assistant Referee ( VAR).

Galvanized by the goal, Nigeria surged forward with confidence. In the 71st minute, Okoronkwo turned provider, delivering a set piece that found substitute Deborah Ijamilusi, who headed home the equalizer to silence the Moroccan crowd.
With momentum firmly on their side, the Super Falcons completed the turnaround in the 88th minute. A clever through ball from Okoronkwo released fellow substitute Jennifer Echegini, who kept her composure to slot past the Moroccan keeper and seal a sensational comeback.
Despite late pressure from the hosts, Nigeria held their nerve, defending with discipline and drawing on their wealth of experience to close out the match. The final whistle was met with wild celebration from the Nigerian bench and heartbreak for Morocco, who suffered another painful final loss after falling to South Africa in the 2022 edition.
For Nigeria, this triumph cements their dominance in African women’s football, reaffirming their status as the most successful team in WAFCON history.
Esther Okoronkwo, with a goal and two assists, was the standout performer—a symbol of the Super Falcons’ fighting spirit and unyielding belief.
With this victory, Nigeria not only reclaims the WAFCON trophy but also sends a clear message ahead of next year’s Women’s World Cup qualifiers: the queens of African football are back on their throne.
In recognition of this historic feat, President Bola Tinubu joined millions of Nigerians in celebrating the Super Falcons’ achievement. In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said:
“With hard work, dedication, and tenacity, you have achieved the mission the nation dreamed of and prayed for. The nation looks forward to welcoming our champions. Congratulations! Nigeria celebrates you”.
“The team’s triumph is not just a sporting milestone but a rallying symbol of national pride, unity, and perseverance in the face of adversity”