The Nigerian women’s national football team produced one of the most remarkable turnarounds in Women’s Africa Cup of Nations history on Saturday night, defeating hosts Morocco 3–2 in Rabat to lift their 10th TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON crown.
Morocco’s Dream Start
The Stade Olympique was rocking as Morocco came flying out of the blocks.
In the 12th minute, captain Ghizlane Chebbak sent the crowd into raptures with a curling strike from outside the box that beat goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Twelve minutes later, the Atlas Lionesses doubled their advantage. A precise through ball from Ibtissam Jraidi found Sanaâ Mssoudy, who coolly slotted into the bottom right corner.
At 2–0 up after just 24 minutes, Morocco seemed destined to claim their first-ever continental crown, and Nigeria went into the break stunned.
Nigeria’s Second-Half Resurgence
But the Super Falcons, coached by Justin Madugu, emerged from halftime with renewed determination and resilience.
Their comeback began after the hour mark when a VAR review penalised Nouhaila Benzina for handball. Esther Okoronkwo stepped up and buried the penalty to make it 2–1.
Sensing blood, Nigeria pressed harder. In the 71st minute, Okoronkwo turned provider, sliding a clever ball into Folashade Ijamilusi, whose low left‑footed drive found the bottom corner to level the match at 2–2.
Late Winner Stuns Hosts
With extra time looming, Nigeria delivered the knockout blow.
In the 88th minute, a well-rehearsed set piece saw Okoronkwo once again at the heart of things, supplying Joe Echegini, who calmly slotted home to complete the comeback.
Morocco pushed desperately in stoppage time, but Nigeria’s defence held firm, sealing a famous victory.
Historic Triumph for the Super Falcons
The win marks Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON title in 13 editions, a record unmatched on the continent.
It also denied Jorge Vilda’s Morocco the chance to join Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, and South Africa as the only nations to win the tournament.
Extra Context
This triumph reinforces Nigeria’s status as the powerhouse of African women’s football, even as other nations invest heavily in their women’s programs.
For Morocco, the defeat will sting, but their run to the final showed they are now genuine contenders on the African stage.
Many pundits also noted the growing quality of the tournament itself with the crowds, the drama, and the performances are putting African women’s football firmly on the global map.
Looking Ahead
Nigeria’s comeback in Rabat will surely be remembered for years:
• A two-goal deficit overturned on enemy turf.
• A team showing the grit and depth that has defined them for decades.
• A dramatic reminder that the Super Falcons remain the team to beat.
