Super Falcons of Nigeria produced a remarkable second-half comeback to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 and lift their 10th TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) crown at the Stade Olympique in Rabat on Saturday night.
Trailing 2-0 at halftime in front of a fervent Moroccan crowd, the Super Falcons displayed trademark resilience and composure, clawing their way back with clinical finishing and unshakeable determination to reaffirm their status as queens of African football.
Second-half goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and a late winner by Jennifer Echegini turned the game on its head, silencing a stunned home crowd and dashing Morocco’s dream of a maiden continental title on home soil.
The final had all the ingredients of a classic — a host nation seeking to crown a golden generation with glory, and Africa’s most decorated women’s side determined to stamp their dominance once more.
Morocco made a flying start. Just 12 minutes in, captain Ghizlane Chebbak ignited the crowd with a superb strike from outside the box, curling the ball past Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
The Atlas Lionesses doubled their lead in the 24th minute. A deft through ball from Ibtissam Jraidi released Sanaâ Mssoudy, who kept her composure to slot home a second, sending the home supporters into raptures.
The Super Falcons appeared rattled and went into the break trailing 2-0, facing what seemed a mountain to climb. But head coach Justin Madugu’s halftime talk sparked a spirited response.
Nigeria’s resurgence began just after the hour mark, aided by VAR. A handball by Nouhaila Benzina resulted in a penalty, which Esther Okoronkwo calmly converted to make it 2-1.
The goal flipped the momentum in Nigeria’s favour. In the 71st minute, Okoronkwo turned provider, threading a precise ball to Ijamilusi, who rifled a left-footed effort into the far corner to level the tie.
With extra time looming, Nigeria struck again. A cleverly executed set-piece saw Okoronkwo once more involved, delivering a smart assist for Echegini, who slotted in the dramatic winner in the 88th minute.
Despite Morocco’s late push and waves of pressure in added time, the Super Falcons held firm to seal a famous victory.
It was a heartbreaking end for Jorge Vilda’s Morocco side, who impressed throughout the tournament and were bidding to become only the fourth nation — after Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa — to win the WAFCON title.
But the night belonged to Nigeria. Their experience, depth, and unyielding spirit powered them to a record-extending 10th title in 13 editions, underlining their enduring dominance in African women’s football.
The Super Falcons’ triumph not only extended their unmatched legacy but also sent a resounding message: even with the rise of new challengers, Nigeria remain the team to beat on the continent.