Nigeria’s Super Falcons stun Morocco with dramatic comeback to clinch 10th WAFCON title
Nigeria’s Super Falcons produced a remarkable comeback to stun hosts Morocco 3-2 and claim a record-extending 10th WAFCON title in a thrilling final in Rabat, reaffirming their dominance on the continent.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons pulled off a stunning second-half comeback to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 and lift a record extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in a dramatic final in Rabat.
The Atlas Lionesses looked to be on course for a historic first continental crown after taking a commanding 2-0 lead at halftime. Ghizlane Chebbak opened the scoring with a superb curling effort in the 13th minute, before Sanaa Mssoudy added a second 11 minutes later with a scrappy finish across goal.
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But Nigeria, true to their tournament slogan "Mission X," emerged from the break transformed, inspired by forward Esther Okoronkwo. The turning point came in the 64th minute when Okoronkwo calmly converted a penalty after a VAR review penalized Nouhaila Benzina for handball.
Just seven minutes later, Okoronkwo burst into the Moroccan box and squared the ball to Folamide Ijamilusi, who tucked in the equalizer to silence the previously jubilant home crowd at the 21,000-capacity Olympic Stadium.
Morocco appeared to have a lifeline in the 79th minute when they were awarded a penalty after Blessing Demehin was adjudged to have handled the ball. However, after another lengthy VAR consultation, Namibian referee Antsino Twanyanyukwa overturned the decision—keeping Nigeria level and energized.
The Super Falcons completed the turnaround in the 88th minute when Okoronkwo floated in a precise free-kick and substitute Jennifer Echegini swept the ball home from close range to secure the title.
Nigeria's resilience in Rabat not only reclaimed the trophy they last won in 2018 but also preserved their perfect record in WAFCON finals 10 wins in 10 appearances. It also marked the third time they have beaten a host nation in the final, following victories over South Africa in 2000 and Cameroon in 2016.
Despite Morocco’s heartbreak, their tournament run showed progress, powered by the coaching of Jorge Vilda, who led Spain to the 2023 Women’s World Cup title. However, this second consecutive final loss after falling to South Africa in 2022 leaves the North Africans still searching for their first WAFCON crown.
Nigeria, meanwhile, walk away not only with history made but also $1 million in prize money and the honor of being the first team to lift the new-look WAFCON trophy.
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