By Omowumi Omotosho
The Super Falcons of Nigeria have once again stamped their authority on African women’s football by defeating hosts Morocco in a thrilling final to win the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The match, played on Friday night at the packed Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, ended with Nigeria lifting their record-extending 10th continental title.
In a pulsating contest filled with drama, skill, and moments of pure brilliance, the Falcons proved their pedigree by edging past a spirited Moroccan side that had hoped to win their first-ever title on home soil.
Morocco delighted their home fans with an explosive start. Skipper Ghizlane Chebbak opened the scoring in the 12th minute, capitalizing on a loose ball in the box to slot home past Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Barely twelve minutes later, the Atlas Lionesses doubled their lead. Sanaa Mssoudy found the back of the net in the 24th minute with a powerful low drive that left the Nigerian defense flat-footed, putting Morocco 2–0 up and firmly in control of the match.
After a halftime regroup, the Super Falcons came out with renewed energy and purpose. The comeback began in the 64th minute when Esther Okoronkwo calmly converted a penalty, awarded after Rasheedat Ajibade was brought down in the box.
The equalizer came just seven minutes later. Rising star Flourish Chioma Ijamilusi latched onto a lofted through ball and chipped the goalkeeper with composure, bringing Nigeria level at 2–2 and silencing the home crowd.
With momentum firmly on their side, Nigeria pushed for the winner, and it came in the 88th minute. Midfield maestro Jennifer Echegini fired home a thunderous strike from just outside the box, completing the remarkable turnaround and sending the Nigerian bench into wild celebration.
