Nigeria’s Super Falcons have once again etched their name in the annals of African football history, securing a remarkable tenth Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title. In a pulsating final held at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, on July 26, 2025, the Super Falcons staged a stunning 3-2 comeback victory against the host nation, overcoming a two-goal deficit to lift the coveted trophy.
The highly anticipated clash, a rematch of the gripping 2022 semi-final where Morocco emerged victorious on penalties, lived up to its billing as a contest of determination and tactical prowess. Morocco, buoyed by a passionate home crowd of 21,000, started the match with formidable intent. Their captain, Ghizlane Chebbak, ignited the stadium in the 12th minute with a spectacular long-range strike, giving the Atlas Lionesses an early lead. Just 12 minutes later, Mssoudy Sanaa doubled Morocco’s advantage in the 24th minute, sending the home fans into a frenzy and putting Nigeria in an unfamiliar 2-0 hole at halftime.
However, the Super Falcons, known for their resilience and championship pedigree, emerged for the second half with renewed vigor. The tide began to turn in the 64th minute when Nigeria was awarded a penalty after a VAR review confirmed a handball by Moroccan defender Nouhaila Benzina. Esther Okoronkwo stepped up confidently and dispatched the spot-kick, halving the deficit and injecting belief back into the Nigerian camp. The momentum firmly shifted seven minutes later when Folashade Ijamilusi capitalized on a brilliant run by Okoronkwo, slotting home the equalizer in the 71st minute to level the score at 2-2.
The drama intensified in the 79th minute when Morocco was initially awarded another penalty for a handball, a decision that could have swung the game back in their favor. However, a subsequent VAR review controversially overturned the call, providing a crucial reprieve for Nigeria. The decisive moment arrived in the 88th minute when substitute Jennifer Echegini found the back of the net from a set piece, completing Nigeria’s incredible comeback and securing their record-extending tenth continental crown. The final whistle confirmed a 3-2 victory for the Super Falcons, leaving the Moroccan faithful heartbroken but proud of their team’s valiant effort.
Post-match statistics highlighted Nigeria’s second-half dominance, with the Super Falcons holding 54.1% possession compared to Morocco’s 45.9%. Nigeria also registered more shots on goal (5 to 3) and total shot attempts (14 to 10), reflecting their relentless pursuit of victory. Both teams displayed disciplined play, with no yellow cards issued throughout the intense encounter. (ESPN)
Morocco’s coach, Jorge Vilda, who has overseen the Atlas Lionesses’ impressive rise, acknowledged the significance of playing on home soil. “Playing in front of our home crowd is an immense source of energy. This stadium is more than a pitch, it’s an arena where our dreams can come to life,” Vilda stated before the match. He also emphasized his team’s cohesion, saying, “Our strength lies in our cohesion. We have worked hard to get to this point. Each player knows what they have to do on the pitch.” (CAFOnline)
For Nigeria’s coach, Justin Madugu, the victory was a testament to his team’s experience and mental fortitude. “We know the stakes and the intensity of the Moroccan crowd. But our players have experience in major finals and know how to handle this type of match,” Madugu commented, highlighting his team’s readiness for the pressure. He added, “We have a highly motivated group of players, aware of the pressure of a final. They are ready to give their all.” (CAFOnline)
The Super Falcons’ journey to the final saw them remain unbeaten throughout the tournament, including a hard-fought semi-final victory over South Africa. Morocco, on the other hand, secured their final berth by defeating Ghana on penalties. While Morocco’s dream of a first WAFCON title on home soil was not realized, their performance in reaching a second consecutive final underscores their emergence as a significant force in African women’s football. For Nigeria, this tenth title solidifies their undisputed reign as the continent’s powerhouse, proving their enduring quality and ability to overcome any challenge.
