Abuja erupts as Super Falcons return with record 10th WAFCON trophy

Summary

• The Super Falcons of Nigeria, Africa’s dominant women’s football team, returned to a hero’s welcome in Abuja on 28th July 2025, after securing their record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title
• The team clinched the historic trophy with a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory against host nation Morocco in Rabat on 26th July 2025
• A celebratory trophy parade was held through major parts of the Federal Capital Territory, allowing jubilant fans to celebrate with their champions
• President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hosted the triumphant team at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, fulfilling his promise to honor their resilience and historic achievement

Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, erupted in celebration on Monday, 28th July 2025, as Nigeria’s Super Falcons, the reigning queens of African women’s football, made a triumphant return home after clinching their unprecedented 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title.

The team, fresh off a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory against host nation Morocco in Rabat on 26th July, touched down at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at approximately 2:25 PM, greeted by a jubilant crowd and top government officials.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) orchestrated a grand celebratory trophy parade through key areas of Abuja. The iconic WAFCON trophy, symbolising Nigeria’s unrivaled dominance in African women’s football, was showcased to excited fans from an open-roof bus as the team journeyed through Airport Road, Berger Junction, Maitama, and Wuse Market, before culminating at the Presidential Villa.

Residents of Abuja and its environs lined the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of their champions and partake in the euphoria.
Following the parade, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hosted the victorious Super Falcons at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa. The reception fulfilled a promise made by the President during a video call with the team immediately after their historic win.

“The Super Falcons’ spectacular performance tonight in Rabat, coming from behind to beat a spirited Moroccan side playing in front of a passionate home crowd, exemplifies the determination that defines the Nigerian spirit.” President Tinubu said, commending the team’s sportsmanship, notably their visit to South Africa’s injured player Gabriela Salgado after the semi-final.

The Nigerian government, through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, hailed the team’s achievement as “a stirring testament to the resilience, excellence, and indomitable Nigerian spirit,” underscoring the government’s commitment to sustained investment in sports development.

First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, also extended her congratulations, describing the team’s performance as a “shining display of brilliance, discipline, and unity” and a profound source of inspiration for young girls nationwide.

The “Mission X” campaign, as the Super Falcons’ 2024 WAFCON journey was branded, showcased remarkable resilience. After remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament, they staged a stunning comeback in the final against Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses. Trailing 2-0 at halftime, a penalty from Esther Okoronkwo in the 64th minute ignited the comeback, followed by Ijamilusi’s equalizer in the 71st, and substitute Joy Echegini’s decisive free-kick conversion in the 88th minute.

Individual excellence was also celebrated, with Esther Okoronkwo earning the CAF/TotalEnergies Woman of the Match in the final, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie securing the Best Goalkeeper Award, and captain Rasheedat Ajibade being named the Tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

The Super Falcons’ 10th WAFCON title firmly reasserts their status as Africa’s most successful women’s football team. This victory is particularly significant amidst the rising competitiveness in African women’s football, serving as a powerful reaffirmation of Nigeria’s supremacy and a tremendous source of national pride.

Arriving at Nigeria’s seat of power where a formal reception was hosted in their honour, the African champions presented the trophy to an elated President Bola Tinubu who in turn honored the Super Falcons with several significant rewards and recognitions.

The President conferred on all 24 players and the 11-member technical and support team the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON). Each player also received a three‑bedroom apartment under the government’s Renewed Hope Housing Scheme and was awarded the naira equivalent of US $100,000. The technical crew received similar accommodation and US $50,000 each in cash .

In a speech to the team, President Tinubu praised their resilience, courage, and the indomitable Nigerian spirit, saying their achievement had inspired millions and lifted national pride at a critical time.