Nigeria’s Super Falcons shocked Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses with a stunning second-half comeback to lift their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title after a dramatic 3-2 victory on Saturday night, July 26.
The North Africans had stormed ahead with two first-half goals. But in true Nigerian fashion, the Falcons rose from the ashes.
Tears rolled down Moroccan faces. But for Nigeria, it was joy, dance, and another golden chapter in their history.
First-Half Nightmare for Nigeria
The game began at a frantic pace in front of a packed crowd in Rabat.
Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a clinical finish. Sanaa Mssoudy doubled the lead 11 minutes later.
For long stretches, the Falcons looked stunned, unable to connect passes or stop Morocco’s pressing game.
The Moroccans were dreaming. The Nigerians were drowning.
“We knew it would be hard,” said Nigeria coach Randy Waldrum. “But I told them during the break — this team was born for comebacks.”
Falcons Fly Back With Three-Goal Firestorm
Then came the turnaround.
In the 63rd minute, Folashade Ijamilusi pulled one back for Nigeria, sending a signal to their doubters.
🎥 HIGHLIGHTS: 🇲🇦 2-3 🇳🇬
— CAF Women’s Football (@CAFwomen) July 27, 2025
Nigeria's comeback is well worth gold after Morocco's first half lead. 🏆 #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024 pic.twitter.com/kFvDOiEmWW
Esther Okoronkwo, ever the creator, delivered a pin-point cross in the 74th minute. Rasheedat Ajibade met it with a bullet header. 2-2.
Morocco thought they had a late penalty to win it. But after a VAR review, the referee overturned the decision. “No penalty!” echoed through the stadium.
Then came the final blow.
In the 88th minute, substitute Jennifer Echegini poked in a dramatic winner after another inch-perfect cross from Okoronkwo. Morocco were finished.
As Moroccan keeper Khadija Errmichi slumped to the turf, Nigeria players collapsed in tears — this time, tears of triumph.
Medals, Awards, and History
The Super Falcons became the first team to win 10 WAFCON titles, extending their continental dominance.
“Mission X is accomplished,” said Ajibade, who lifted the trophy as captain and also won Player of the Tournament.
Chiamaka Nnadozie walked away with the Golden Glove. Ghana’s Chebbak, despite her team’s loss, won Top Scorer with five goals.
Esther Okoronkwo deservedly clinched Player of the Match, ending the tournament with 2 goals and 6 assists.
Chebbak and her teammates became the first team to lose two consecutive WAFCON finals — a painful record they’ll want to erase in future tournaments.
But their attacking spirit won hearts. They scored more goals against Nigeria than any other team at this tournament combined.
As the new-look WAFCON trophy glistened under the Rabat floodlights, Nigeria’s players danced, sang, and celebrated with their small but thunderous group of travelling fans.
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