Nigeria claim their tenth WAFCON title, ‘Mission X’, as they came from behind on Saturday night to beat Morocco 3-2 in Rabat.
Substitute Jennifer Echegini scored the 88th-minute winner as Nigeria came from two goals behind to beat hosts Morocco 3-2 in a dramatic Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final.
The triumph in Rabat confirmed the West Africans as the queens of women’s football in Africa as they pulled off a record-extending 10th title in 13 editions – “Mission X”, as they dubbed their efforts – to win the 2025 edition.
It was the second successive final loss for Morocco, who led by two goals after 24 minutes, only to concede three in the second half.
Esther Okoronkwo played a key role in the Super Falcons’ victory.She scored the first goal, created the second and delivered the free-kick that Echegini finished to stun the home crowd.
Morocco, backed by a vibrant capacity crowd at the 21,000-seat Stade Olympique in the capital, took the lead in the 12th minute as Nigeria conceded for the first time in open play at the tournament.
Nigeria slipped several chances to clear the ball, and it fell just outside the area to Chebbak, whose perfectly placed, rising shot gave goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie no chance.
The lead doubled 12 minutes later as the ball flew across the Nigerian goalmouth to Sanaa Mssoudy, who ended a five-match goal drought by steering a low shot into the far corner of the net.
Nigeria had more possession in the opening half than the host nation but managed only one shot on target, and it did not scar goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi.
But the Moroccan lead halved after 64 minutes as Okoronkwo sent Er-Rmichi the wrong way from a penalty after a VAR review showed a Folashade Ijamilusi cross striking Nouhaila Benzina’s hand.
The goal lifted the spirits of increasingly assertive Nigeria, and they equalised seven minutes later, when Okoronkwo turned creator with a pull-back that Ijamilusi pushed into the net from close range,ending the match at 3-2 in favour of the Super Falcons.
Meanwhile,Nigeria’s First Lady,Oluremi Tinubu in celebrating the Nigerian female team in a post via her X handle, described the landmark victory as remarkable and commendable.
She stated that the victory was not just another trophy but a testament to the team’s hard work, consistency, and the indomitable Nigerian spirit.
She wrote, “I celebrate you,our beautiful and lovely Super Falcons for the landmark victory of your 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations championship.
“Your resounding 3-2 victory is indeed remarkable and commendable. It is not just another trophy; it is a testament to your hard work, consistency, and the indomitable Nigerian spirit. We thank God for this sweet victory.
You have once again lifted the pride of our dear nation, Nigeria and cemented your place as Queens of African football.
“On behalf of Nigerian women and the entire nation, I thank you for making us proud.
You have written your names in gold and inspired millions across the continent.
“Congratulations, Super Falcons! I celebrate you.
Nigeria celebrates you. “she stated.
