Victorious Falcons
By Osayande Ero
On Saturday, July 26, 2025, Nigeria’s Super Falcons etched their names in football history by claiming their tenth Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title. Against host nation Morocco in Rabat, Nigeria overturned a 2‑0 halftime deficit to win 3–2, becoming the first women’s national team in the world to win a continental championship ten times
The Match: A Tale of Two Halves
Morocco capitalized early, silencing the 21,000‑capacity Stade Olympique with goals from captain Ghizlane Chebbak in the 12th minute and Sanaâ Mssoudy in the 24th, sending the Falcons into halftime facing an uphill battle
Enter Esther Okoronkwo, the breakout star of the night. In the 64th minute, VAR awarded Nigeria a penalty for a handball, and Okoronkwo calmly took charge scoring to make it 2–1. That goal ignited a spark
Seven minutes later, Okoronkwo turned provider. A surging run led to a precise pass through a sea of Moroccan defenders to Folashade Ijamilusi, who nodded home to level the game in the 71st minute
Then, as stoppage time loomed, Okoronkwo slipped another perfect assist to Jennifer Echegini, whose clinical finish in the 88th minute sealed the stunning turnaround and sparked wild celebrations from the Nigerian contingent
“Mission X”: Team Identity & Tournament Journey
The Super Falcons embraced a collective mission dubbed “Mission X” to claim that historic 10th title. Despite criticism after a less-than-dominant group stage, led by new coach Justine Madugu they remained unbeaten, topped their group without conceding, and advanced with belief intact
Madugu’s appointment in September 2024 raised eyebrows: he had no prior senior international experience. Yet he rejected pressure in the final, leading urgent half-time talks, strategic substitutions including Roma’s Rinsola Babajide and Jennifer Echegini and maintained belief in his players’ mental toughness
Star of the Final: Esther Okoronkwo
Esther Okoronkwo earned the Player of the Final award for her stunning contributions one goal and two assists were integral to Nigeria’s comeback. Analysts praised her composure, vision, and willingness to assume responsibility when the match hung in the balance. She was the catalyst the Falcons needed the brains behind the brilliance
She had already delivered consistently throughout the tournament, and in the final, she ascended to WAFCON legend status. The goal, the passes, the presence Okoronkwo embodied the fight and skill that define champions
Records, Legacy, and Continental Domination
With this victory, Nigeria now stands alone as the most successful women’s national team in world football history surpassing giants like the United States and China, both with nine continental titles. Their perfect record now stands at 10 WAFCON final wins from 10 appearances
This dynasty stretches back to their first WAFCON in 1998 and includes titles in 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018. It’s a legacy built on decades of excellence, resilience, and adaptation
National Impact & Reverberations
Back in Nigeria, celebrations were electric. The win delivered a rare source of joy amid wider economic challenges, offering Nigerians a moment of unity and pride
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu cheered on from afar; President Bola Tinubu hosted a reception for the team though his attempts to align himself with the victory sparked criticism given Nigeria’s ongoing political and economic turbulence
Meanwhile, players like Michelle Alozie and Okoronkwo bolstered their visibility on social media platforms, attracting a younger generation of followers to the sport. Their online presence reshaped the public image of African women’s football
What Comes Next: Global Goals & Structural Needs
Despite continental dominance, the Super Falcons remain in search of global success. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade has emphasized the need for better funding, structured preparation, and world-class facilities if the team is to break through at World Cups and Olympics
In recent global tournaments, Nigeria has reached the Women’s World Cup quarterfinals (1999, 2019, 2023) and never progressed past the last eight at the Olympics. Ajibade asserts: “We want to be world champions, not just African champions,” calling for institutional support to match ambition
Why This Victory Matters
Symbol of African Excellence
In a tournament that ran parallel with European women’s football events, Nigeria’s win proved that African women’s football isn’t just catching up it’s leading.
Blueprint of Resilience
From halftime despair to title triumph, Nigeria reminded us why they are “Queens of Africa.” Their collective bravery, led by Okoronkwo and galvanized by coaching decisions, was textbook resilience.
Momentum for Growth
WAFCON 2025 offers a springboard not just for Nigeria, but for African football as a whole. With other nations investing in infrastructure and competitions, the Falcons’ victory sets a benchmark and challenge.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons didn’t just win another title they captured history. Their 3–2 comeback against a passionate Moroccan side in their own backyard was more than a match win; it was a reaffirmation of identity, power, and legacy. As champions of a continent that’s increasingly competitive, they remain the standard-bearer for African women’s football.
But the future demands more. To reach the global stage, infrastructure, preparation, and support must follow. With talent like Okoronkwo and leadership from figures such as Ajibade, the Super Falcons stand poised to turn continental triumph into global accomplishment. Until then, Mission X is complete and Nigeria reigns supreme.