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Nigeria's Super Falcons Clinch Historic 10th WAFCON Title, Sparking National Celebration

Published 2 days ago3 minute read
Uche Emeka
Uche Emeka
Nigeria's Super Falcons Clinch Historic 10th WAFCON Title, Sparking National Celebration

The Super Falcons of Nigeria have achieved a monumental feat, clinching their record-extending 10th Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title. This historic victory came after a thrilling 3-2 comeback against hosts Morocco in the final, a game that saw the Nigerian team trailing 2-0 before mounting a spectacular resurgence. The final match, held at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, was a testament to the team's resilience and determination, ultimately solidifying their position as Queens of African football.

The nationwide celebration following this triumph was joined by prominent figures across Nigeria. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a heartfelt social media post, congratulated the Super Falcons, emphasizing that the win was a clear demonstration of talent, discipline, and belief converging. He expressed immense pride in the players, coaches, and support staff, acknowledging their role in making the country proud and showcasing the strength and spirit of Nigerian football. Governor Sanwo-Olu lauded their performance as a 'flawless 10 out of 10'.

Similarly, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, extended her congratulations, praising the team's resilience in overcoming a formidable Moroccan side. She highlighted the team's role as ambassadors of Nigerian excellence and an inspiration to millions globally. Senator Tinubu described the 3-2 victory as remarkable and commendable, noting it as a testament to their hard work, consistency, and the indomitable Nigerian spirit, while affirming that they have once again lifted the pride of the nation.

The Super Falcons' victory has also sparked optimism for other national teams. Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Gusau stated that the WAFCON win would fuel the Super Eagles' 2026 FIFA World Cup ambition. Gusau, visibly emotional after the comeback, hailed the victory as symbolic of the Nigerian spirit, commending the girls for their resilience, doggedness, and patriotism. He expressed confidence that the Falcons' example could inspire a mindset shift for the men's national team as they prepare for crucial World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa in September.

Amidst the celebrations, defender Michelle Alozie delivered a witty post-match troll aimed at the Moroccan supporters. Despite Moroccan fans using laser lights to target Nigerian players, particularly Esther Okoronkwo, Alozie took to Snapchat to mock their efforts with a video of herself and Okoronkwo celebrating, captioned: “Their lasers didn’t work.” This playful jab perfectly encapsulated the Super Falcons' unshakable composure and winning spirit, even in a hostile atmosphere. Esther Okoronkwo played a starring role in the final, scoring once and assisting twice, including the match-winning goal by Jennifer Onyinyechi Echegini, while Oluwatosin Demehin and Deborah Abiodun were credited by legendary striker Asisat Oshoala for their important roles in the team's WAFCON journey.

The Super Falcons' dominant performance and their 10th continental title have also ignited a debate regarding FIFA's women's ranking system. Football analyst and Pulse Sports Nigeria’s managing editor, Joba, challenged FIFA to revamp its system, questioning Nigeria's 36th global ranking despite their unbeaten run and continental glory. While Nigeria remains Africa's top-ranked team, critics argue that the current Elo rating-based system does not adequately reflect emerging power shifts or consistently reward breakthrough performances. Joba’s call for reform echoes broader discussions among stakeholders advocating for more dynamic metrics to better recognize the achievements of rising powers in women's football, ahead of the next FIFA ranking release scheduled for early August 2025.

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