Nigeria’s epic comeback against Morocco in the WAFCON Final to claim a record 10th title
Byline: IDNN Sports Desk
The Super Falcons of Nigeria scripted an unforgettable chapter in African football history on Saturday night, clawing back from two goals down to defeat host nation Morocco 3-2 and capture a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title.
The Rabat showdown began in nightmarish fashion for Nigeria, as Morocco raced to a shocking 2-0 lead within the first 30 minutes. Ghizlane Chebbak, who would later win the Golden Boot, opened the scoring before winger Sanaâ Mssoudy doubled the lead, sending the home crowd into ecstasy and placing immense pressure on Justine Madugu’s side.
But the Super Falcons, true to their “Mission X” mantra, responded with fire and steel in the second half.
Esther Okoronkwo ignited the comeback just after the restart, before Folashade Ijamilusi leveled proceedings with a thunderous header in the 76th minute. The momentum was fully in Nigeria’s favor by then, and the comeback was completed when substitute Jennifer Echegini rifled in the winner in the 88th minute, silencing the Stade Olympique and sending Nigerian fans into delirium.
The final whistle confirmed Nigeria’s 10th continental crown—a feat unmatched by any team on the continent. With the win, Nigeria also became the first nation to lift the redesigned WAFCON trophy and earned a prize purse of $1 million, double that of the previous edition.
The match was not just a triumph of tactics and talent, but a display of sheer belief and resilience. Head coach Justine Madugu, managing his first tournament on an interim basis, was named Coach of the Tournament. He praised the team’s mental strength in the face of adversity.
“This wasn’t just a football match—it was a test of character. The team believed, and belief carried us through,” Madugu told reporters.
Star forward Rasheedat Ajibade, who won Player of the Tournament honors after leading by example throughout the competition, echoed her coach’s sentiment:
“We were down but not out. Nigeria never gives up.”
In the third-place match, Ghana overcame South Africa on penalties after a 1-1 draw, sealing their first podium finish since 2016.
Nigeria’s historic night was capped off by a clean sweep of the top individual awards:
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Player of the Tournament: Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria)
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Best Goalkeeper: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria)
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Golden Boot: Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco, 5 goals)
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Coach of the Tournament: Justine Madugu (Nigeria)
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Fair Play Award: South Africa
As CAF prepares for the 2025 edition—set to be hosted again in Morocco—Nigeria’s performance will stand as the gold standard. For now, the Super Falcons reign supreme. Again.