Nigeria’s Super Falcons reaffirmed their dominance in African women’s football on Saturday night, producing a stunning comeback to beat hosts Morocco 3-2 in the final of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) at the Stade Olympique in Rabat. The win secured Nigeria’s 10th continental crown in 13 editions, further cementing their status as Africa’s most successful women’s football team.
Dubbed “Mission X”, the campaign ended in dramatic fashion as the Falcons fought back from two goals down to claim victory.
Morocco Strike Early and Take Control
With a vibrant home crowd behind them, Morocco started brightly and took the lead after just 12 minutes. Captain Ghizlane Chebbak fired a superb strike from outside the box, leaving Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie helpless. Twelve minutes later, the hosts doubled their advantage. Sanaâ Mssoudy, ending a five-match goal drought, latched onto a precise pass from Ibtissam Jraidi and calmly slotted the ball into the far corner.
Nigeria dominated possession in the first half but failed to trouble Moroccan goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi, registering only one tame shot on target. By half-time, the Super Falcons faced an uphill task, trailing 2-0 and looking out of ideas.
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Okoronkwo Inspires the Comeback
Head coach Justin Madugu’s half-time team talk seemed to ignite the Nigerian side. Playing with greater urgency, the Falcons clawed their way back into the match. The breakthrough came in the 64th minute after a VAR review confirmed a handball by Nouhaila Benzina.
Esther Okoronkwo stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to make it 2-1, sparking belief among the players and fans. Nigeria piled on the pressure, and just seven minutes later, they were level. Okoronkwo turned provider this time, setting up Folashade Ijamilusi, who drilled a powerful left-footed strike past Er-Rmichi to bring the game to 2-2.
As extra time loomed, Nigeria found their moment of magic. In the 88th minute, a clever set-piece routine saw Okoronkwo deliver a precise ball into the box. Substitute Jennifer Echegini pounced, her effort into the net to complete the comeback and spark jubilant celebrations. Despite Morocco’s late attempts to find an equaliser, Nigeria’s experienced backline, led by Nnadozie, held firm through stoppage time to seal a famous win.
Nigeria Extend Their Legacy
The victory marked Nigeria’s third WAFCON final win over host nations, following triumphs against South Africa in 2000 and Cameroon in 2016. It also underscored the team’s unmatched pedigree—10 titles in 13 tournaments, more than any other African nation. Okoronkwo’s starring role, with a goal and two assists, highlighted Nigeria’s attacking quality, while Echegini’s late strike provided the perfect ending to a dramatic final.
For Morocco however, it was a second successive final defeat after losing to South Africa in 2022. Backed by significant investment in football development, the Atlas Lionesses were hoping to win their first continental title on home soil. Chebbak, who won the Golden Boot with five goals, had been aiming to emulate her late father, Larbi Chebbak, a 1976 AFCON winner with Morocco. However, the dream ended in disappointment despite Morocco’s impressive run to the final.
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Looking Ahead
Nigeria’s triumph sends a clear message ahead of the next WAFCON in March 2026, also set to be hosted in Morocco. The tournament will double as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. With a squad blending youth and experience, the Super Falcons have shown that even as new challengers emerge, they remain the benchmark for African women’s football.