Quote from Alex bobby on July 27, 2025, 4:32 AM

Nigeria Completes Stunning Comeback to Win Record 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Title

In one of the most dramatic Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) finals in history, Nigeria pulled off a sensational second-half comeback to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 and secure a record-extending 10th continental crown. Dubbed "Mission X" by the Super Falcons, their journey to reclaim the title was anything but smooth, but they delivered when it mattered most, writing yet another glorious chapter in African women’s football.

Morocco’s First-Half Dominance

Playing in front of a partisan home crowd at the 21,000-capacity Olympic Stadium in Rabat, the Atlas Lionesses made a blistering start. Morocco took the lead in the 13th minute when Halimatu Ayinde’s errant pass gifted possession to captain Ghizlane Chebbak, who curled a precise shot into the bottom corner. The stadium erupted as Morocco took control of the game.

Their second came just 11 minutes later. Sanaa Mssoudy latched onto a loose ball and scuffed her shot across goal into the net to make it 2-0. Nigeria, despite being Africa’s most successful women’s team, looked stunned and disorganised, unable to match the intensity and precision of their North African opponents.

The Super Falcons Rise Again

But champions rise when the pressure is highest. Nigeria emerged from the break with renewed purpose and began to turn the tide. The spark came in the 64th minute when Nouhaila Benzina was penalised for handling a cross from Folamide Ijamilusi inside the box. After a VAR review, a penalty was awarded, and Esther Okoronkwo stepped up to calmly slot it home and reduce the deficit to 2-1.

Just seven minutes later, Okoronkwo again worked her magic — this time as a playmaker. She burst into the Moroccan box, drew the defence, and squared for Ijamilusi to tap in the equaliser. The momentum had shifted completely, and the stunned Moroccan crowd fell into silence.

Morocco’s hopes of regaining control were further dashed when they were awarded a penalty in the 79th minute for a handball by Blessing Demehin. However, after nearly four minutes of VAR review, Namibian referee Antsino Twanyanyukwa overturned her decision, ruling the contact accidental due to proximity.

Nigeria's comeback was completed in the 88th minute. Okoronkwo delivered a pin-point free-kick into the box, where substitute Jennifer Echegini darted in front of Benzene and swept home the winner from close range. The final whistle saw the Super Falcons collapse to the turf in celebration, having snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in a match that will long be remembered.

Mission X: Accomplished

Nigeria entered this tournament with one clear goal — to win a 10th WAFCON title — and they made that mission public. Despite early inconsistencies, coach Justin Madugu found the perfect balance in the knockout rounds, leaning on experience and resilience to navigate the team through tense encounters.

Their final triumph also sees Nigeria become the first nation to lift the new-look WAFCON trophy and earn a $1 million prize — double the amount awarded in the last edition. In doing so, the Super Falcons also extended their perfect record in WAFCON finals, having never lost one in their rich history.

Heartbreak for Morocco

For Morocco, this defeat will sting. After losing to South Africa in the 2022 final, hopes were high that they could finally clinch their first WAFCON title. The Moroccan Football Federation had invested heavily in women’s football, even appointing Jorge Vilda, Spain’s 2023 Women’s World Cup-winning coach, after his controversial exit.

Vilda brought tactical discipline and intensity, but Morocco’s route to the final had been fraught with challenges — including comebacks in three matches and a penalty shootout win over Ghana in the semi-final. Ultimately, their inability to maintain composure under pressure cost them again.

Captain Ghizlane Chebbak, whose late father Larbi won the men’s Africa Cup of Nations in 1976, had hoped to create a unique family legacy by lifting the women’s trophy. Instead, she had to settle for the tournament’s golden boot with five goals. At 35, Chebbak may not get another opportunity to fulfil her dream on home soil, with the next edition of WAFCON expected in March 2026.

Looking Ahead

While Nigeria celebrates yet another triumph, Morocco will need to regroup ahead of their next hosting duties. The infrastructure and investment are in place, and the potential is undeniable — but delivering under pressure remains a challenge to overcome.

For the Super Falcons, the comeback victory not only underscores their dominance on the continent but also signals that they remain the team to beat. With young talents like Ijamilusi and Echegini stepping up, and stars like Okoronkwo showing poise and leadership, the future of Nigerian women’s football looks as bright as its illustrious past.

Final Thought:
From despair to glory, Nigeria’s 3-2 win over Morocco is not just a footballing triumph — it’s a story of belief, resilience, and legacy. Mission X is more than complete; it’s legendary.

Conclusion

Nigeria’s breathtaking comeback against Morocco in the WAFCON final was more than just a football match — it was a statement of dominance, resilience, and unshakable spirit. Down 2-0 at halftime and staring defeat in the face, the Super Falcons rallied with composure and determination to seal their record-extending 10th continental crown. While Morocco’s dream of a historic home victory was dashed, their rise in women’s football remains commendable. For Nigeria, Mission X has been gloriously accomplished — not only reclaiming the title but reaffirming their status as Africa’s undisputed queens of the game.

Meta Description:
Nigeria stuns Morocco with a second-half comeback to win a record 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in Rabat, sealing "Mission X" in dramatic fashion.