Nigeria’s Super Falcons have once again cemented their legacy as Africa’s most dominant women’s football team, securing their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in a dramatic 3–2 comeback win over host nation Morocco. The thrilling final, played at the Stade Olympique in Rabat, marked the completion of what the team dubbed “Mission X”, their quest for a tenth continental title.
Morocco, cheered on by a vibrant home crowd of over 21,000, took a commanding 2–0 lead in the first half. The opening goal came in the 12th minute when Nigeria failed to clear their lines and the ball landed at the feet of Ghizlane Chebbak, whose powerful shot beat goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. Twelve minutes later, Sanaa Mssoudy doubled the lead with a low finish into the far corner, sending the home fans into a frenzy.
Despite their early struggles, Nigeria regrouped and came back stronger in the second half. The turning point came in the 64th minute when VAR confirmed a handball by Morocco’s Nouhaila Benzina inside the box. Esther Okoronkwo stepped up and calmly converted the penalty, sending the Moroccan keeper the wrong way. Buoyed by the goal, Nigeria pressed harder and equalised just seven minutes later. Okoronkwo turned provider, pulling the ball back for Folashade Ijamilusi to tap in from close range.
The match looked headed for extra time until the 88th minute, when substitute Jennifer Echegini latched onto a well-delivered free kick from Okoronkwo and slotted home the winner. The goal silenced the Rabat crowd and sealed a famous comeback for the Super Falcons, who have now won 10 of the 13 editions of WAFCON.
For Morocco, it was a second consecutive loss in the final, a painful repeat of their 2022 defeat. Despite an impressive campaign and early control of the game, the Atlas Lionesses couldn’t hold off Nigeria’s second-half resurgence. Still, their performance signals a continued rise in North African women’s football.
Nigeria’s victory is not just a triumph of tactics and talent; it also underscores their resilience and experience. With this win, the Super Falcons continue to dominate women’s football in Africa and send a clear message ahead of future global competitions. The team’s unity, belief, and never-say-die spirit were on full display, fulfilling “Mission X” in spectacular fashion.