By Osita Mbonu
In a thrilling final that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Nigeria’s Super Falcons staged a stunning comeback to defeat host nation Morocco 3-2, securing their historic 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) trophy. The dramatic encounter unfolded at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Saturday night, showcasing resilience, determination, and footballing brilliance from both sides.
Morocco, playing on home soil, took an early grip on the match, racing into a 2-0 lead within the first 24 minutes. The North African side’s star forward Ghizlane Chebbak opened the scoring in the 13th minute, expertly converting a chance that ignited the stadium. The hosts doubled their advantage just eleven minutes later through Sanaâ Mssoudy’s clinical finish, sending their supporters into euphoria.
Despite trailing, the Super Falcons maintained composure and controlled the midfield with superior ball possession. However, their attacking efforts in the first half yielded only a single shot on target, leaving them with plenty to do after the break.
The second half saw a reinvigorated Nigerian side determined to turn the tide. Esther Okoronkwo sparked the comeback by confidently converting a penalty, cutting the deficit to 2-1 and breathing new life into the nine-time champions. The momentum shifted dramatically in the 71st minute when Ijamilusi struck with a well-placed goal to equalize, unleashing a wave of hope among Nigerian fans.
The climax came in the 89th minute as Echejini scored the go-ahead goal, giving Nigeria the lead for the first time in the match. The Super Falcons, under the excellent leadership of coach Justine Malagu, then showcased remarkable resilience, holding firm defensively to preserve their advantage until the final whistle.
This hard-fought victory not only highlights Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football but also cements the Super Falcons’ legacy as the most successful team in WAFCON history with a record tenth title. The team’s inspiring comeback against Morocco will be remembered as one of the most dramatic and emotionally charged moments in the tournament’s history.
