In a night that will go down in African football folklore, Nigeria’s Super Falcons mounted a breathtaking second-half comeback to defeat host nation Morocco 3-2, clinching a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title.
The final, played in front of a stunned crowd at the 21,000-capacity Olympic Stadium in Rabat, saw the home side, Atlas Lionesses, surge ahead with a dominant first-half display. Ghizlane Chebbak opened the scoring with a sublime curling strike, before Sanaa Mssoudy doubled the lead with a scrappy effort, giving Morocco a commanding 2-0 advantage at halftime.
But Nigeria returned from the break with renewed intensity and purpose. Esther Okoronkwo sparked the comeback, confidently converting a 64th-minute penalty after Nouhaila Benzina was penalized for handling a dangerous cross from Folamide Ijamilusi.
Momentum firmly swung Nigeria’s way as Okoronkwo drove into the Moroccan box just nine minutes later, squaring the ball for Ijamilusi to calmly slot home the equalizer. With the clock ticking down, substitute Jennifer Echegini delivered the final blow—burying a late winner in the 88th minute to complete one of the most dramatic turnarounds in WAFCON history.
The final whistle triggered scenes of euphoria as the Super Falcons collapsed in emotional celebration, having snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in what was dubbed “Mission X”—their ambitious bid to reclaim continental supremacy.
With this triumph, Nigeria not only reasserted its dominance in African women’s football, reclaiming a title last won in 2018, but also preserved its flawless record in WAFCON finals.
A victory for the ages. A mission accomplished. A legacy reinforced.
(📸 Getty Images)
