The Nigerian Super Falcons have achieved a historic milestone, clinching their record-extending 10th Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title. This monumental victory came after a thrilling 3-2 comeback against hosts Morocco in the final, an achievement that ignited nationwide celebrations and garnered accolades from prominent figures.

The dramatic final, dubbed "Mission X," unfolded at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat. Trailing 2-0 early in the match with goals from Ghiziane Chebbak in the 13th minute and Sanaa Mssoudy in the 24th minute, the Super Falcons showcased immense resilience. Head coach Justin Madugu's tactical substitutions, bringing on Rinsola Babajide and Jennifer Echegini, injected crucial speed into their attack. Esther Okoronkwo spearheaded the comeback, converting a penalty in the 64th minute, followed by an equalizer in the 71st minute, assisted by Folashade Ijamilusi. The decisive moment arrived in the 88th minute when Okoronkwo set up Jennifer Echegini for the match-winning goal, sealing Nigeria's triumph. The match was not without controversy, as Moroccan fans employed laser lights to distract Nigerian players, notably targeting Okoronkwo's eyes, a tactic later mocked by defender Michelle Alozie with a cheeky Snapchat post: "Their lasers didn't work."

The victory prompted widespread praise. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu expressed his heartfelt congratulations, stating, "This win is a reminder of what can happen when talent, discipline, and belief come together... You’ve shown the world the strength and spirit of Nigerian football." Similarly, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu hailed the team’s resilience, calling them "ambassadors of Nigerian excellence" and declaring the win "a testament to your hard work, consistency, and the indomitable Nigerian spirit."

Beyond the immediate celebrations, the WAFCON triumph is expected to have significant implications for Nigerian football. Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Gusau expressed confidence that the Super Falcons' success would "fuel the men’s national team as they fight to resurrect their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign." Gusau praised the team’s "resilience, doggedness, patriotism, and the blatant display of the well-known Nigerian spirit," hoping their comeback from a two-goal deficit would inspire the Super Eagles ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa in September.

Individual players also shared their reflections. Legendary striker Asisat Oshoala credited teammates Oluwatosin Demehin and Deborah Abiodun for their crucial roles in her WAFCON journey. In a light-hearted social media exchange, Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface playfully asked Oshoala for a share of her prize money, acknowledging her new national honor. The proud fathers of key players Ashleigh Plumptre and Omorinsola Babajide were also seen sharing a celebratory moment, embodying the national pride generated by the team's success.

The Super Falcons' victory has brought unprecedented financial rewards. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarded Nigeria $1,000,000 for winning the 2024 WAFCON, double the prize money from 2022. The Nigerian government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, announced substantial rewards: each player is set to receive $100,000 (Naira equivalent), an Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) national honor, and a furnished 3-bedroom apartment in the "Renewed Hope" housing estate. Technical crew members will receive $50,000 and the OON honor. Additionally, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum pledged ₦10 million in cash to each team member. The NFF also committed 30% of the CAF prize money (around $300,000) to the squad, translating to approximately $12,500 per player. These prompt payments stand in stark contrast to past editions where players faced issues with unpaid bonuses, underscoring the government's commitment to recognizing the team's achievements.

Despite their continental dominance and unbeaten run, the Super Falcons' global standing remains a point of contention. Football analyst Joba challenged FIFA to reform its women’s national team ranking system, highlighting that Nigeria remains ranked 36th globally, a position unchanged from March 2025, despite being Africa's top team. Critics argue that FIFA's Elo rating method, which emphasizes historical results and weights recent performance, does not adequately reflect the rapid rise and breakthrough performances of teams like Nigeria, prompting calls for more dynamic metrics.

As Nigeria basks in the glow of this remarkable triumph, the Super Falcons have not only secured their place as African queens but have also sparked important conversations about recognition, investment, and the future of women's football.