The Super Falcons of Nigeria achieved a historic milestone, securing 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, frequently referred to as “Mission X,” was met with widespread celebration and commendation across Nigeria, while also sparking discussions about international football rankings and national team inspiration.

The final match, held at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, was a dramatic affair. Morocco initially took a commanding 2-0 lead in the first half, with goals from Ghiziane Chebbak in the 13th minute and Sanaa Mssoudy in the 24th minute. However, the Super Falcons, under the guidance of head coach Justin Madugu, orchestrated a remarkable second-half resurgence. Key substitutions, including the introduction of Rinsola Babajide, Jennifer Echegini, and five-time CAF Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala, injected speed and momentum into the Nigerian attack. Esther Okoronkwo proved to be a pivotal figure, converting a penalty in the 64th minute to pull one back. She then assisted Folashade Ijamilusi for the equalizer in the 71st minute and, crucially, set up Jennifer Echegini for the match-winning goal in the 88th minute, sealing the 3-2 victory.

The Super Falcons' victory resonated deeply within Nigeria. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was quick to congratulate the team, describing their performance as a “flawless 10 out of 10” and a testament to “talent, discipline, and belief.” Similarly, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu praised the team’s resilience and consistency, highlighting their role as “ambassadors of Nigerian excellence” and “Queens of African football.” She emphasized that the victory was “not just another trophy; it is a testament to your hard work, consistency, and the indomitable Nigerian spirit.”

Beyond the celebrations, the WAFCON triumph held broader implications for Nigerian football. Ibrahim Gusau, President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), expressed confidence that the Falcons’ “extraordinary performance” and display of the “Nigerian spirit” would fuel the men’s national team, the Super Eagles, in their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. Nigeria currently sits outside qualification spots with four matches remaining, and Gusau hopes this victory will trigger a mindset shift ahead of their upcoming games against Rwanda and South Africa in September.

The match was not without its controversies. Moroccan fans employed a tactic of shining laser lights onto Nigerian players, particularly targeting Esther Okoronkwo, throughout the tense final. Super Falcons defender Michelle Alozie, however, responded playfully to this distraction in her post-match celebration, posting a video with Okoronkwo on Snapchat with the cheeky caption: “Their lasers didn’t work,” perfectly encapsulating the team’s unshakable composure.

Furthermore, the Super Falcons’ dominant, unbeaten run to their 10th WAFCON title reignited debates surrounding the FIFA Women's World Ranking system. Football analyst Joba, managing editor of Pulse Sports Nigeria, publicly challenged FIFA to revamp its calculation methods. Despite their continental glory and demonstrated strength, Nigeria remained ranked 36th globally (and 1st in Africa) in the latest FIFA Women's World Rankings. Joba argued that there are not 35 teams in the world better than the Super Falcons, suggesting the current Elo rating-based system inadequately rewards breakthrough performances or rapidly evolving regional dominance. This call for reform highlights a desire among fans and experts for a more dynamic system that better reflects the current landscape of women’s football, with the next ranking update scheduled for early August 2025.

In a personal reflection, legendary striker Asisat Oshoala, a part of the victorious squad, took to Instagram to acknowledge the vital contributions of her teammates Oluwatosin Demehin and Deborah Abiodun, stating she couldn’t tell her “Mission X story without these two.” The collective effort and individual brilliance combined to make this WAFCON victory a truly memorable and impactful event for Nigerian football.