The Super Falcons of Nigeria have once again proven why they are the queens of African football, coming from two goals down to defeat hosts Morocco 3–2 and clinch their record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in an unforgettable final played at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat .
In a dramatic contest filled with quality, controversy, and courage, Nigeria were forced to dig deep after Morocco surged to a 2–0 lead inside the opening 25 minutes. The hosts roared ahead through a thunderous long-range strike by captain Ghizlane Chebbak in the 12th minute, before Sana Mssoudy added a second with a smart finish following fluid build-up play.
At that point, the stadium was bouncing, and Morocco looked in firm control. But champions are not made of timid hearts.
Nigeria found their lifeline just past the hour mark when VAR awarded them a penalty following a handball by Nouhaila Benzina. Esther Okoronkwo stepped up and buried it with ice-cold precision to halve the deficit. The momentum shifted, and just minutes later, a brilliant Nigerian attack saw Okoronkwo once again at the heart of it ,this time setting up Deborah Ijamilusi for the equaliser in the 71st minute.
Morocco had a golden chance to restore their lead when they were awarded a penalty in the 79th minute after Oluwatosin Demehin handled the ball inside the area. But drama ensued: after a lengthy VAR review, the decision was overturned, sparking fury among the Moroccan fans.
As the game edged toward stoppage time, Nigeria’s persistence paid off. In the 88th minute, a well-delivered set piece found Jennifer Echegini, who bundled the ball home amidst a scramble, giving Nigeria a deserved 3–2 lead. Substitutions followed as Nigeria looked to protect the result, with Rofiat Imuran and Abiodun Isah introduced to help secure the midfield and defence.
Despite six additional minutes and late Moroccan pressure, Nigeria held firm. The final whistle was met with jubilation from the Nigerian bench and heartbreak for the hosts, who had carried the weight of a nation’s hopes into the final.
This victory is Nigeria’s first WAFCON triumph since 2018, ending a seven-year wait. Not even home support could lift the Atlas Lionesses past the might of the Super Falcons, whose experience and resilience shone through on the biggest stage.
Ghizlane Chebbak finished the tournament as the top scorer, winning the Golden Boot with five goals , her strike in the final adding to the four she had going into the match. Her compatriot Ibtissam Jraidi and Nigeria’s Chinwendu Ihezuo followed with three goals each.
With this title, Nigeria now boasts 10 WAFCON championships , more than any other nation. Once again, the Super Falcons sit proudly at the summit of African women’s football.
