Sunday July 27, 2025
TheNewsDESK |
By Idorenyin UMOREN
With inputs from agency reports
Nigeria’s Super Falcons have etched their name in the history books once again, becoming the first African team to win the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON, an unprecedented 10 times.
In a breathtaking final at the Stade Olympique in Rabat on Saturday night, Nigeria’s Super Falcons pulled off a remarkable second-half comeback to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2.
Facing a 2-0 deficit at the break, the reigning African giants displayed nerves of steel and championship resolve to overturn Morocco’s early advantage, silencing the home crowd and reaffirming their reign over the continent’s women’s football.
The Atlas Lionesses appeared on course for a historic maiden title after a dream first half. Captain Ghizlane Chebbak ignited celebrations with a sensational strike in the 12th minute, curling a shot from outside the area beyond Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. Morocco doubled their lead just over ten minutes later, with Sanaâ Mssoudy finishing off a slick move set up by Ibtissam Jraidi.
But the tide turned dramatically in the second half. Nigeria, guided by coach Justin Madugu, returned with renewed intensity and purpose. Their breakthrough came in the 61st minute when a VAR review awarded them a penalty for handball against Nouhaila Benzina. Esther Okoronkwo calmly converted the spot-kick, igniting the comeback.
Momentum shifted as Nigeria pressed forward. Ten minutes later, Okoronkwo turned creator, threading a precise pass to Folashade Ijamilusi, who rifled a low shot into the net to make it 2-2.
With the match seemingly heading for extra time, the Super Falcons struck again. In the 88th minute, a clever set-piece routine found Joe Echegini, who slotted home the winner after another assist from Okoronkwo—her third direct involvement in Nigeria’s goals on the night.
Despite a late Moroccan push, Nigeria’s defence stood strong through added time to secure a dramatic and hard-fought victory.
It was a crushing blow for Morocco and head coach Jorge Vilda, whose team had impressed throughout the tournament and hoped to lift the trophy on home soil. Had they succeeded, they would have become only the third nation to win the WAFCON title, after Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea.
Instead, it was Nigeria who once again stood tallest. Their latest triumph reinforces their status as the dominant force in African women’s football, having now won 10 of the 13 tournaments held.
This victory not only highlights Nigeria’s depth and resilience but also sends a powerful message to their continental rivals: the Super Falcons remain the team to beat.
For their triumph, the Super Falcons were rewarded with $1 million (over ₦1.5 billion), as the Confederation of African Football, CAF, announced a 100% increase in prize money for the tournament winner. The total prize pool for the 2024 edition of WAFCON was also raised by 45%, reflecting CAF’s growing investment in women’s football across the continent.
Meanwhile, CAF instructed that the Nigeria Football Federation give 30 percent of the money to the players.
