Nigeria Clinches Unprecedented 10th WAFCON Title with Dramatic Comeback Over Morocco

In an electrifying conclusion at Rabat’s Stade olympique, Nigeria’s Super Falcons overturned a daunting two-goal deficit to triumph 3-2 against host nation Morocco, securing their record-breaking tenth Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) championship. This victory, celebrated as “mission X,” further cements Nigeria’s unparalleled legacy in African women’s football across 13 editions of the tournament.

Morocco’s Early Surge and Nigeria’s Persistent Response

The Moroccan team ignited the stadium atmosphere by racing to a 2-0 advantage within the opening 24 minutes. The first goal resulted from a defensive miscue by Nigeria, allowing captain Ghizlane Chebbak to unleash a precise rising shot that eluded goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. Shortly after, Sanaa Mssoudy ended her scoring drought with a composed low finish into the far corner following sustained pressure inside Nigeria’s penalty area.

Despite dominating possession for much of the first half and maintaining higher ball control statistics than their opponents-holding approximately 58% possession-Nigeria struggled offensively, managing only one shot on target before halftime that failed to challenge Moroccan keeper Khadija Er-rmichi.

The super Falcons’ Resurgence: Pivotal Plays and Standout Performers

The tide turned decisively after the break when Esther Okoronkwo sparked Nigeria’s revival. At minute 64, she confidently converted a penalty awarded through VAR intervention after Folashade Ijamilusi’s cross struck Nouhaila Benzina’s arm inside the box. This goal reignited Nigerian momentum heading into an intense final quarter.

Seven minutes later, Okoronkwo showcased her versatility by setting up Ijamilusi with an incisive pull-back assist that leveled the score at 2-2 and silenced much of Morocco’s fervent crowd.

The climax arrived deep into stoppage time when substitute Jennifer Echegini netted an unforgettable winner from a free-kick expertly delivered by Okoronkwo. This strike sealed one of WAFCON’s most remarkable comebacks and unleashed jubilant celebrations among Nigerian supporters worldwide.

Host Nation Morocco Unable to Sustain Early advantage

Morocco entered their second consecutive WAFCON final buoyed by passionate home support filling Rabat’s stadium but ultimately could not withstand mounting pressure from Nigeria in critical moments late in regulation time. Their early clinical finishing was undone as defensive lapses allowed Super Falcons’ attackers back into contention despite controlling large portions of play initially.

Dramatic Third Place decider: Ghana edges South Africa on Penalties

A day prior to the grand finale, Ghana clinched third place following a tense penalty shootout win over defending champions South Africa after finishing regular time tied at 1-1 in Casablanca. Despite conceding first due to goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan mishandling just before halftime-allowing Nonhlanhla Mthandi to capitalize-the Black Queens mounted relentless pressure throughout the second half.

• Alice Kusi hit the crossbar with a header;
• An own goal by South African keeper Andile Dlamini leveled proceedings at minute 68;
• The shootout featured two consecutive saved penalties against South Africa;
• Nineteen-year-old Nancy Amoh calmly converted Ghana’s decisive spot kick low into the corner securing bronze for her side;

This outcome was especially gratifying for Ghana given they had suffered heavy defeat (0-4) against South Africa earlier in group stages but maintained an impeccable record winning all four previous third-place matches-a stark contrast to South Africa who have lost four out of five such encounters historically since tournament inception.

Looking Forward: Upcoming tournaments and World Cup Qualification Implications

The next Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled for March 2026 onc again hosted by Morocco. Serving as part of qualification pathways toward Brazil hosting FIFA Women’s World Cup mid-2027, this tournament will heighten continental competition stakes while spotlighting African nations’ growing ambitions on global women football stages today.