The Super Falcons of Nigeria produced a sensational second-half comeback to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 and claim their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in a pulsating final on Saturday night.
In a match filled with drama, grit, and unforgettable moments, Nigeria overturned a two-goal deficit to emerge champions once again—solidifying their dominance in African women’s football.
The Falcons, led by head coach Justin Madugu, went into the game seeking revenge for their painful semi-final loss to Morocco in the 2024 edition. However, the North Africans looked set to spoil Nigeria’s hopes early on.
Morocco opened the scoring in the 13th minute when a loose ball fell kindly to the tournament’s top scorer, Ghizlane Chebbak, who fired confidently past Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Despite efforts by Ijamilusi Folashade to spark a Nigerian response, her weak shot in the 21st minute posed no threat to Moroccan goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi.
The hosts doubled their lead in the 28th minute. Fatima Tagnaout’s quick buildup play set up Sanaâ Mssoudy, who drilled a precise left-footed shot into the bottom corner, leaving Nigeria trailing 2-0 at halftime.
But the Super Falcons returned from the break with renewed determination. Their high press and sharper passing began to disrupt Morocco’s rhythm.
Nigeria came close early in the second half when a collision between Er-Rmichi and her own defender, Hanane Aït El Haj, nearly resulted in an own goal—only for the Moroccan defense to clear their lines just in time.
The breakthrough finally came in the 63rd minute. A Nigerian cross struck the outstretched arm of Morocco’s Nouhaila Benzina inside the box, and after a brief VAR check, a penalty was awarded. Uchenna Kanu Okoronkwo stepped up and calmly converted to reduce the deficit.
Momentum swung firmly in Nigeria’s favor. In the 71st minute, Okoronkwo burst down the right flank and unselfishly squared the ball across the face of goal to the onrushing Ijamilusi, who tapped in to level the score at 2-2.
With the Moroccans rattled, the Falcons pressed on—and found the winner in dramatic fashion in the dying moments. Substitute Esther Onyenezide pounced on a loose clearance and curled a sublime shot from outside the box into the top corner, sealing the comeback and the championship.
The final whistle sparked wild celebrations among the Nigerian team, fans, and coaching staff, as the Super Falcons lifted their record-extending 10th WAFCON trophy—further cementing their legacy as queens of African football.
