The Nigerian Super Falcons have once again cemented their dominance in African football, clinching a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title. Their "Mission X" culminated in a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over host nation Morocco in the final, a game that will be remembered for generations for its dramatic twists and turns, concluding on July 26, 2025, at the Stade Olympique in Rabat.

The final match was a testament to the Super Falcons' resilience. Trailing 2-0 at halftime after goals from Ghiziane Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy, the Nigerian side staged an extraordinary second-half resurgence. Head coach Justin Madugu's tactical changes, including bringing on Rinsola Babajide and Jennifer Echegini, injected crucial speed and attacking prowess. Esther Okoronkwo spearheaded the comeback, converting a penalty to pull one back and later assisting the equalizer by Folashade Ijamilusi. The decisive moment came in the 88th minute when Okoronkwo again found Jennifer Echegini, who scored the match-winning goal, sealing the 3-2 triumph. This victory was made even more remarkable by the unconventional tactics employed by Moroccan fans, who repeatedly shone laser lights onto Nigerian players, particularly targeting Okoronkwo's eyes, an act that sparked widespread discussion online.

The historic win has drawn widespread acclaim from prominent figures across Nigeria. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu swiftly joined the nationwide celebration, congratulating the Super Falcons in a social media post. He praised their victory as a reminder of "what can happen when talent, discipline, and belief come together," commending their "flawless 10 out of 10 performance." Similarly, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu extended her heartfelt congratulations, lauding the team’s resilience and recognizing them as "ambassadors of Nigerian excellence" and "Queens of African football," who have "lifted the pride of our dear nation."

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Ibrahim Gusau, expressed profound confidence that the Super Falcons' success would serve as a powerful catalyst for the men’s national team, the Super Eagles, in their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. Gusau hailed the comeback as symbolic of the "Nigerian spirit," emphasizing that the win would inspire the Super Eagles ahead of their upcoming matches against Rwanda and South Africa in September 2025. On the player front, veteran striker Asisat Oshoala, despite a reduced role in the tournament, credited teammates Oluwatosin Demehin and Deborah Abiodun for their vital contributions to her WAFCON journey. Oshoala also subtly dismissed retirement rumors with a social media post, asserting, "Your noise don’t pay my bills… my sweat does," reaffirming her commitment to the national team.

The Super Falcons’ monumental achievement has been met with significant financial and honorary rewards, marking a departure from past issues of unpaid entitlements. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced national honors (Officer of the Order of the Niger - OON) for all players and staff. Each player is set to receive a substantial cash gift of $100,000 (approximately ₦153 million), while 11 technical crew members will receive $50,000 (approximately ₦75.6 million). Furthermore, every team member has been granted a furnished three-bedroom apartment in the “Renewed Hope” housing estate. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarded Nigeria $1,000,000 for winning the 2024 WAFCON, double the previous prize. Adding to these, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) pledged ₦10 million in cash to each team member, and the NFF committed 30% of the CAF prize money ($300,000) to the squad, translating to roughly $12,500 per player. These rewards were announced on July 28, 2025, with expectations for swift payment, a stark contrast to previous instances where players had to protest for their bonuses.

Beyond the immediate celebrations and accolades, the victory underscores a deeper narrative of national pride and legacy. The fathers of key players like Ashleigh Plumptre and Omorinsola Babajide were seen sharing moments of pride after the official reception, highlighting the personal sacrifices and choices these players, many born and raised abroad, made to represent Nigeria. The triumph also ignited calls to immortalize the trailblazing women who paved the way for this 10th WAFCON title, advocating for monuments, statues, and Hall of Fame tributes to recognize their profound impact on Nigerian girls and women over 34 years. While the outpouring of support and rewards is commendable, it also sparks a broader national debate on the appropriate reward systems for national heroes. Some argue for a gazetted national reward template for all national sports teams, advocating against haphazard cash handouts, especially when compared to the often-unrecognized sacrifices of military personnel and civil servants. This perspective emphasizes that while sports stars deserve recognition, a balanced and consistent approach is needed to ensure fairness across all sectors of national service.

Ultimately, the Super Falcons' 2024 WAFCON victory is more than just a trophy; it's a profound statement of the Nigerian spirit, a testament to unwavering determination, and a call to honor the past while thoughtfully planning for the future of national recognition.