In a thrilling final at the Stade Olympique in Rabat on July 26, 2025, Nigeria’s Super Falcons mounted a stunning second-half comeback to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2, securing their 10th TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title.
Trailing 2-0 at half-time, Nigeria’s resilience and clinical finishing overturned Morocco’s early dominance, reaffirming their dominance in African women’s football.
Morocco took the lead in the 12th minute through captain Ghizlane Chebbak’s curling strike, followed by Sanaâ Mssoudy’s composed finish in the 24th minute, assisted by Ibtissam Jraidi. The Atlas Lionesses, backed by a passionate home crowd, seemed poised for their first-ever WAFCON title. However, Nigeria, coached by Justin Madugu, roared back after the break.
Esther Okoronkwo sparked the comeback in the 61st minute, converting a penalty after a VAR-reviewed handball by Nouhaila Benzina. Ten minutes later, Okoronkwo assisted Folashade Ijamilusi, who equalized with a low left-footed shot. The decisive moment came in the 88th minute when Okoronkwo set up Joe Echegini for the winning goal, securing a 3-2 victory despite Morocco’s late pressure.
The loss was a bitter blow for Jorge Vilda’s Morocco, who aimed to join Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea as WAFCON champions. Nigeria’s triumph, their 10th in 13 tournaments, underscored their unrivaled legacy and ability to overcome rising challengers, solidifying their status as Africa’s premier women’s football team.
