From heartbreak in 2022 to glory in 2025, Nigeria’s Super Falcons conquer Morocco to complete their “Mission X” with a 3-2 victory in a dramatic final.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons have written another golden chapter in African football history, capturing their 10th Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title with a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over host nation Morocco in a pulsating final at the Stade Olympique de Rabat on Saturday night.
After going two goals down in the first half, the Falcons mounted a breathtaking resurgence to snatch victory and conclude their high-stakes “Mission X” campaign spectacularly.
The revival began in the 64th minute when Esther Okoronkwo calmly slotted home a penalty to halve the deficit. Just seven minutes later, she bulldozed through the Moroccan defense to set up Folasade Ijamilusi, who fired in the equalizer. With Nigeria now surging forward, substitute Jennifer Echegini completed the turnaround in the 88th minute, finishing off a precise free-kick from Okoronkwo to seal the unforgettable win.
Nigeria’s captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, was named Player of the Tournament for her commanding performances throughout the campaign. Meanwhile, Chiamaka Nnadozie, already lauded as Africa’s top goalkeeper for two consecutive years, was once again crowned Goalkeeper of the Tournament.
The 2025 triumph carries even deeper significance, as Nigeria successfully avenged all three losses suffered during the 2022 edition, also hosted in Morocco. They obliterated Zambia 5-0 in the quarterfinals, edged South Africa 1-0 in the semis, and finally dethroned Morocco—the very team that knocked them out via penalty shootout in 2022.
Morocco's Fast Start Not Enough; The final began disastrously for Nigeria, as Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak opened the scoring in the 13th minute after an errant pass from Halimatu Ayinde. The hosts doubled their lead just 11 minutes later when Saana Mssoudy outran Michelle Alozie to blast past Nnadozie, sending the packed stadium into a frenzy.
Despite Morocco’s early dominance, the tide turned in the second half. A potential penalty call against Nigeria in the 78th minute was overturned after a VAR review, further swinging momentum toward the Falcons. Unbeaten in Finals, Champions Once Again: With this victory, Nigeria not only extended their unmatched record of never losing a WAFCON final but also earned a $1 million cash prize, solidifying their status as Africa’s premier women’s football team.
“Mission X Accomplished” has become more than a slogan, it’s now a symbol of redemption, resilience, and Nigerian football supremacy.
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