Nigeria produced a stunning second-half revival to beat hosts Morocco 3‑2 and lift a record‑extending tenth Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title.
The West Africans were 2‑0 down at halftime, but rallied through goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folamide Ijamilusi, and substitute Jennifer Echegini to take the trophy in Rabat.
Morocco looked in control after Ghizlane Chebbak’s curling strike in the 13th minute and Sanaa Mssoudy’s follow-up finish just 11 minutes later.
However, Nigeria refused to surrender their quest for Nigeria Wins WAFCON glory.
Early in the second half, Okoronkwo drew Nigeria back into the game with a penalty in the 64th minute after Nouhaila Benzina handled Folamide Ijamilusi’s cross.
Then, at 1‑1, Okoronkwo surged into the Morocco box and perfectly set up Ijamilusi’s equaliser in the 71st minute.
With the game seemingly headed to extra time, Okoronkwo delivered a pinpoint free kick in the 88th minute.
Jennifer Echegini got ahead of defender Benzina to sweep home the winner.
The packed Olympic Stadium fell into silence as Nigerian players collapsed in jubilation at full-time.
From the outset, the match was marked by tension.
Morocco had hired 2023 Women’s World Cup winning coach Jorge Vilda in hopes of a maiden WAFCON win.
Despite their early dominance, the North Africans couldn’t close out the match after halftime.
In contrast, Nigeria’s Mission X campaign, loudly backed by fans and media, ultimately came off.
The Super Falcons have now retained a flawless record in WAFCON finals, never losing at this stage.
They reclaimed the title they last won in 2018.
Moreover, they became the first team to lift the redesigned WAFCON trophy.
A $1 million prize was awarded to the champions double the last edition’s bounty.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF chief Patrice Motsepe took to the pitch after most had departed.
Furthermore, Morocco reached the final by overcoming setbacks, including comeback wins and penalty shootouts in their semifinals.
Yet falling short again suggests Vilda’s rebuild remains a work in progress before hosting WAFCON 2026.
This breathtaking Nigeria Wins WAFCON final showcased not just skill, but resilience.
