Nigeria win 10th WAFCON title after impressive comeback against Morocco
Nigeria staged a remarkable second-half comeback to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 and clinch their 10th TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title at the Stade Olympique in Rabat on Saturday, July 26, 2025.
Trailing 2-0 at half-time in front of a raucous home crowd, the Super Falcons displayed their trademark resilience and clinical finishing to overturn the deficit, reaffirming their status as the queens of African football.
Goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and a late winner from Joe Echegini sealed the victory, stunning the Atlas Lionesses, who had hoped to capture a historic first continental crown on home soil.
The final delivered all the drama expected of a classic encounter — a host nation looking to cap a golden era with silverware, and Africa’s most decorated team determined to reassert their dominance.
Morocco made a dream start, silencing early nerves in the 12th minute when captain Ghizlane Chebbak unleashed a brilliant long-range strike that curled past Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
The crowd erupted with renewed belief, and just 12 minutes later, the hosts doubled their lead. Ibtissam Jraidi threaded a precise through ball to Sanaâ Mssoudy, who finished coolly into the bottom right corner.
Nigeria looked shell-shocked as they went into the break trailing 2-0, facing an uphill battle.
But head coach Justin Madugu’s halftime team talk sparked a spirited response from the Super Falcons.
The comeback began just past the hour mark when VAR confirmed a handball by Moroccan defender Nouhaila Benzina. Esther Okoronkwo stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to make it 2-1.
With momentum shifting, Okoronkwo turned provider in the 71st minute, threading a clever ball into the path of Ijamilusi, who fired a low left-footed strike into the corner to level the score.
As extra time loomed, Nigeria struck the decisive blow in the 88th minute. A well-rehearsed set-piece found Okoronkwo again at the heart of the action, delivering a deft assist to Echegini, who slotted home to complete the dramatic turnaround.
Morocco mounted late pressure in search of an equalizer, but the Super Falcons held firm through tense stoppage time to secure a historic win.
It was a heartbreaking end for Jorge Vilda’s Morocco side, who had impressed throughout the tournament and were aiming to become just the third nation — after Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea — to win the WAFCON title.
But the night ultimately belonged to the Super Falcons. Their experience, depth, and indomitable spirit powered them to a 10th African crown in 13 editions — a record that underlines their enduring supremacy.
Nigeria’s triumph not only extends their unparalleled legacy but also sends a clear message: even amid rising challengers, they remain the standard-bearers of African women’s football.
