Super Falcons Rally to Win WAFCON Final

Nigeria staged an incredible comeback to beat the host nation, Morocco, 3–2 in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final, turning the game around after being down by two goals in a match filled with intensity, VAR drama, and a thrilling late winner.

Morocco came out strong, taking the lead in the 13th minute when their captain, Ghizlane Chebbak, curled a beautiful shot from the edge of the box. They extended their advantage in the 24th minute, with Sanaâ Mssoudy finishing coolly after a defensive slip from Nigeria.

Facing a 2–0 deficit at halftime, Nigeria came out with renewed determination after the break. In the 63rd minute, a VAR review awarded them a penalty for a handball by Nouhaila Benzina, which Esther Okoronkwo confidently converted to bring them back into the game.

Just seven minutes later, Okoronkwo’s low cross took a deflection and found Folashade Ijamilusi, who made no mistake in tapping in the equalizer. Morocco then had a chance to regain the lead with a penalty, but it was overturned after VAR ruled the handball was accidental.

The Super Falcons completed their comeback in the 88th minute. A set-piece from Rasheedat Ajibade was cleared but only as far as substitute Jennifer Echegini, who struck the ball into the net through a crowded box.

Morocco fought hard in stoppage time, missing a header and sending a cross just wide of the goal, but Nigeria held on until the final whistle.

From being down 2–0 to winning 3–2, the Super Falcons displayed remarkable resilience and composure to secure their 10th WAFCON title in a thrilling final in Rabat.