Navigation

© Zeal News Africa

Mission Accomplished! Super Falcons Triumph with Historic 10th WAFCON Title

Published 3 days ago3 minute read
Uche Emeka
Uche Emeka
Mission Accomplished! Super Falcons Triumph with Historic 10th WAFCON Title

The Super Falcons of Nigeria achieved a monumental feat by clinching their record-extending 10th Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory against host nation Morocco in the final. This triumph, dubbed “Mission X,” has been met with widespread nationwide celebration, highlighting the team's resilience, skill, and indomitable spirit.

The dramatic final unfolded at the Stade Olympique in Rabat on July 26, 2025. Morocco, playing in front of their home crowd, quickly gained a two-goal lead in the first half with goals from Ghiziane Chebbak in the 13th minute and Sanaa Mssoudy in the 24th minute, leaving Nigeria trailing 2-0 at halftime. Adding to the tension, Moroccan fans controversially used laser lights, particularly targeting Nigerian players like Esther Okoronkwo, throughout the game. However, the Super Falcons staged a spectacular second-half resurgence. Coach Justin Madugu's tactical substitutions, including Rinsola Babajide and Jennifer Echegini, injected new speed into the attack. Esther Okoronkwo spearheaded the comeback, converting a penalty in the 64th minute to pull one back and then assisting the equalizer for Folashade Ijamilusi in the 71st minute. The decisive moment came in the 88th minute when Okoronkwo again found Jennifer Echegini, who scored the match-winning goal, sealing Nigeria's historic 3-2 victory.

The victory sparked widespread commendation from prominent figures. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu congratulated the team, stating that “This win is a reminder of what can happen when talent, discipline, and belief come together,” and praised their “flawless 10 out of 10 performance.” First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu also extended heartfelt congratulations, calling the team “ambassadors of Nigerian excellence” and emphasizing that the trophy is “a testament to your hard work, consistency, and the indomitable Nigerian spirit.” She thanked them for “making us proud” and cementing their place as “Queens of African football.”

The post-match celebrations captured the team's confidence and spirit. Defender Michelle Alozie famously trolled Moroccan supporters on Snapchat with the cheeky caption, “Their lasers didn’t work,” after their attempts to distract Nigerian players with laser lights proved futile. Legendary striker Asisat Oshoala, part of the winning squad, took to Instagram to acknowledge the crucial roles played by teammates Oluwatosin Demehin and Deborah Abiodun, stating, “Can’t tell my Mission X story without these two.” Off the pitch, a heartwarming moment was captured showing the fathers of instrumental players Ashleigh Plumptre and Omorinsola Babajide sharing a light-hearted exchange, visibly proud of their daughters' contributions to the historic win. Plumptre featured prominently in defense, while Babajide marked her WAFCON debut with a goal and an assist in the group stage.

The final also showcased a significant tactical battle between Nigeria's interim head coach Justin Madugu, a seasoned WAFCON winner as an assistant, and Morocco's Jorge Vilda, the former Spanish World Cup-winning coach. While Vilda's strategy seemed validated by Morocco's early lead, Madugu's second-half adjustments, which saw Nigeria press harder, cut off wing play, and control the midfield, ultimately proved decisive. This victory extends beyond the current squad; it's a legacy moment that calls for immortalizing the women who paved the way for “La Decima.” From Nigeria's first national team in 1991 to the present, pioneers like Eucharia Uche, Mercy Akide, and Perpetua Nkwocha, along with many others, deserve lasting recognition through monuments, statues, and Hall of Fame tributes for shattering barriers for generations of Nigerian girls and women.

In recognition of their outstanding achievement, the Super Falcons received national honours, including the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON). Additionally, instrumental players were awarded $100,000 in cash rewards and a three-bedroom house each from the Federal Government, further solidifying the nation's immense pride and gratitude for their historic triumph.

Recommended Articles

Loading...

You may also like...