Nigeria Claims Historic 10th Wafcon Title in Stunning Comeback Against Morocco

Nigeria Claims Historic 10th Wafcon Title in Stunning Comeback Against Morocco

In a nail-biting showdown at Rabat's Olympic Stadium, Nigeria's Women's National Team, the Super Falcons, clinched their 10th Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) title with a thrilling 3-2 victory over hosts Morocco. The underdog triumph, fueled by a remarkable second-half comeback, etched another chapter into the team's storied history of dominance in the competition.

Despite a strong start, Morocco took control in the first half, leading 2-0 by halftime thanks to goals from Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy. The Atlas Lionesses' advantage seemed insurmountable until Nigeria's Esther Okoronkwo stepped up. The striker equalized in the 64th minute from a penalty after Nouhaila Benzina's handball, setting the stage for a dramatic turnaround.

Okoronkwo's brilliance continued as she delivered a pinpoint cross to Folamide Ijamilusi in the 71st minute, securing the draw. With just two minutes remaining, substitute Jennifer Echegini capitalized on a defensive lapse, scoring the winner to cement Nigeria's victory. The 21,000-capacity stadium fell silent as the players celebrated, their resilience leaving fans in awe.

Coach Justin Madugu's tactical acumen shone through as the Super Falcons executed a flawless comeback, matching their 2018 Wafcon triumph. The team's "Mission X" campaign, aimed at securing their 10th title, was a resounding success. Nigeria's prize money, now doubled to $1 million, marks a new era for the tournament, with the team becoming the first to lift the revamped Wafcon trophy.

Morocco, who had hired 2023 Women's World Cup-winning coach Jorge Vilda in a bid to end their title drought, fell short once again. The North African side had to come from behind in three group stages and rely on penalties to advance, yet their efforts were undone by Nigeria's late surge. This loss extends their Wafcon final exit streak to two, with the next tournament slated for March 2026 in Rabat.

For Morocco, the defeat underscored the challenges of overcoming their rivals, despite significant investments in women's football under King Mohammed VI. Ghizlane Chebbak, who led the charge with five goals, will have to settle for the golden boot, as her family's legacy of African glory remains unfulfilled. At 36, her chances of achieving that dream in 2026 appear slim, adding emotional weight to the loss.

Nigeria's victory not only reaffirms their status as Africa's premier women's football nation but also highlights the resilience of their players. The Super Falcons' ability to reclaim the title after a 2022 semifinal exit solidifies their place in Wafcon history, while Morocco's quest for continental success continues, now with the 2026 tournament on the horizon.