Super Falcons secure historic tenth WAFCON title

Summary

• Nigeria staged a remarkable second-half comeback, overturning a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2
• The victory, sealed by Jennifer Echegini’s late goal, marks Nigeria’s unprecedented 10th WAFCON triumph
• Esther Okoronkwo and Folashade Ijamilusi were instrumental in the Super Falcons’ resurgence
• The final was held at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, with Morocco benefiting from strong home support
• President Bola Tinubu congratulated the Super Falcons on their record 10th WAFCON victory in 2024, praising their determination and hard work in securing the title against Morocco

Casablanca, Morocco — The Super Falcons of Nigeria have once again asserted their dominance in African women’s football, securing a historic 3-2 victory over the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), held on Friday, 26 July 2025, at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat. This triumph marks Nigeria’s record-extending tenth WAFCON title.

The match, played in front of a passionate home crowd of 21,000, was a dramatic and intense encounter, showcasing the resilience and tactical prowess of the Nigerian side.

Morocco started strongly, capitalising on their home advantage to take an early lead. By the 24th minute, they were two goals ahead, with Ghizlane Chebbak scoring the first goal. This marked the first time Nigeria had conceded from open play in the tournament, highlighting Morocco’s attacking efficiency.

Despite dominating possession with 56.9% and completing more passes (169 vs 133), Nigeria struggled with clinical finishing in the first half, managing only one shot on target from five attempts. Morocco, in contrast, was more effective, converting two of their six shots on target.

Early attempts from Nigeria, such as a tame effort by Folashade Ijamilusi, were comfortably handled by Moroccan goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi. The Super Falcons found it challenging to break through Morocco’s well-organised defence, heading into halftime with a two-goal deficit.

However, Nigeria emerged from the halftime break with renewed vigour and determination. The comeback began in the 64th minute when Esther Okoronkwo calmly converted a penalty, reducing the deficit to 2-1 and reigniting hope for the Super Falcons.

Just seven minutes later, in the 71st minute, Okoronkwo turned provider, setting up Folashade Ijamilusi, who clinically equalised the score at 2-2. This pivotal goal shifted the momentum decisively in Nigeria’s favour.

The decisive moment arrived in the 88th minute when substitute Jennifer Echegini scored the winning goal from a free-kick, putting Nigeria ahead 3-2 for the first time in the match. Despite six minutes of added time and a lengthy VAR check for a potential penalty in the 84th minute, which was ultimately waved away, Nigeria held firm to secure a memorable victory.

For Nigeria, Esther Okoronkwo was instrumental, scoring the crucial penalty and assisting Ijamilusi’s equaliser, earning praise for her composure. Folashade Ijamilusi’s clinical finish for the equaliser proved vital, while Jennifer Echegini’s late winner underscored Nigeria’s depth.

Super Falcons Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, best Goalkeeper of the tournament

Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who had maintained clean sheets in all prior matches except for a penalty against South Africa, played a critical role in maintaining defensive stability while Captain Rasheedat Ajibade led with energy and discipline, contributing to Nigeria’s midfield dominance.

Super Falcons Captain, Rasheedat Ajibade wins Player of the Tournament

For Morocco, Ghizlane Chebbak, the 2022 WAFCON Player of the Tournament, was a constant threat, scoring her side’s first goal. Sakina Ouzraoui also contributed to Morocco’s attacking efforts, while goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi made key saves to deny early Nigerian attempts.

Under interim coach Justin Madugu, Nigeria employed a direct, energetic style, leveraging their physicality and counter-attacking ability. Their tactical flexibility was evident with eight different goalscorers throughout the tournament, highlighting their attacking depth.

The defence, anchored by Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale, Oluwatosin Demehin, and Ashleigh Plumptre, had been formidable, conceding only one goal prior to the final. Madugu’s second-half adjustments, including the introduction of Echegini, proved decisive in exploiting Morocco’s vulnerabilities.

Morocco, coached by World Cup winner Jorge Vilda, relied on disciplined ball control and intelligent pressing, buoyed by the passionate home support. Despite scoring 11 goals in the tournament, matching Nigeria’s tally, Morocco’s defence proved less secure, having conceded in every match, a factor that ultimately contributed to their defeat.

Meanwhile, back in Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Super Falcons of Nigeria on their victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, securing their record 10th continental title.

“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.

The President further praised the Super Falcons, stating, “With hard work, dedication, and tenacity, you have achieved the mission the nation dreamed of and prayed for.” He emphasized that the country eagerly anticipates welcoming its champions, concluding his message with a celebratory “Congratulations! Nigeria celebrates you.”