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Super Falcons Crowned African Queens: 10th WAFCON Title Ignites National Joy!

Published 5 hours ago3 minute read
Uche Emeka
Uche Emeka
Super Falcons Crowned African Queens: 10th WAFCON Title Ignites National Joy!

The Super Falcons of Nigeria have once again etched their names in history, clinching their record-extending 10th Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title. In a truly spectacular and dramatic final, the Nigerian team overcame host nation Morocco with a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, completing what they dubbed 'Mission X'.

The match was a tense affair, with Morocco taking an early lead thanks to goals from Ghiziane Chebbak in the 13th minute and Sanaa Mssoudy in the 24th minute, sending them into halftime with a two-goal advantage. Despite the hostile atmosphere and a controversial tactic by Moroccan fans who shone laser lights on Nigerian players, particularly Esther Okoronkwo, the Super Falcons displayed immense resilience. Coach Justin Madugu's tactical changes in the second half, including the introduction of Rinsola Babajide and Jennifer Echegini, revitalized the team's attack. Esther Okoronkwo spearheaded the comeback, converting a penalty in the 64th minute to pull one back, and then assisting Folashade Ijamilusi for the equalizer 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 dramatic triumph.

The victory sparked nationwide celebrations and drew congratulations from prominent figures. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu lauded the team, stating, "This win is a reminder of what can happen when talent, discipline, and belief come together." He celebrated their "flawless 10 out of 10 performance." First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu also extended her heartfelt congratulations, praising the team's resilience and calling them "ambassadors of Nigerian excellence." She highlighted that the victory was a "testament to your hard work, consistency, and the indomitable Nigerian spirit," cementing their place as "Queens of African football."

Beyond the immediate glory, the win is expected to have broader implications for Nigerian football. Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Gusau expressed confidence that the Super Falcons' success would ignite the Super Eagles' 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. Gusau, visibly emotional, hailed the victory as symbolic of the Nigerian spirit, stating, "Our girls rose from the 'dead', as they say, and fought to victory. This was an extraordinary performance." He believes this will trigger a mindset shift among the men's national team as they prepare for crucial qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa in September.

The players themselves also shared their thoughts. Defender Michelle Alozie took to Snapchat to humorously mock the Moroccan fans' laser tactics, posting a video with Esther Okoronkwo captioned, "Their lasers didn't work," perfectly capturing the team's unshakable composure. Legendary striker Asisat Oshoala, who was part of the winning squad, credited teammates Oluwatosin Demehin and Deborah Abiodun for their important roles in her WAFCON journey, expressing her gratitude on Instagram. The Super Falcons will return home as African champions, having demonstrated not only their exceptional skill but also their indomitable spirit in the face of adversity.

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