UPDATED: Super Falcons Secure Historic 10th WAFCON Trophy, Win $1m Prize

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have etched their names deeper into African football history, securing their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title with a spectacular 3-2 comeback victory against hosts Morocco at the Stade Olympique in Rabat on Saturday evening.

The triumph not only extends their continental dominance but also delivers a substantial $1 million prize money boost to Nigerian football.

The victory marks a sweet redemption for the Nigerian squad, who suffered a painful penalty shootout defeat to Morocco in the 2022 semi-finals, also staged on Moroccan soil. This time, the Super Falcons ensured there would be no heartbreak, demonstrating the resilience and championship mentality that has made them Africa’s most successful women’s national team.

Early Setback Tests Nigerian Resolve

The Atlas Lionesses appeared destined for their maiden WAFCON title when they raced to a commanding 2-0 lead within the opening 25 minutes.

Captain Ghizlane Chebbak opened the scoring in the 12th minute, sending the packed home crowd into raptures, before Sanaâ Mssoudy doubled Morocco’s advantage just 12 minutes later with a clinical finish that seemed to put the hosts firmly in control.

The early deficit could have derailed many teams, but the Super Falcons have built their reputation on overcoming adversity.

Their response in the second half showcased exactly why they remain the continent’s premier women’s football nation, having now maintained their perfect record in WAFCON finals across their illustrious history.

Second-Half Masterclass Delivers Championship Glory

The Nigerian revival began in earnest when Esther Okoronkwo stepped up to convert a crucial penalty in the 64th minute, reducing the deficit and igniting hope amongst the travelling Nigerian supporters.

The momentum shift became palpable just seven minutes later when Folashade Florence Ijamilusi produced a moment of individual brilliance to level the scores at 2-2, completely transforming the atmosphere inside the stadium.

With Morocco’s early confidence visibly shaken and Nigeria sensing their opportunity, the Super Falcons pressed forward relentlessly in search of the winner.

Their persistence paid dividends in the 88th minute when substitute Jennifer Echegini swept home what proved to be the decisive goal, converting expertly from Esther Okoronkwo’s well-delivered free kick to complete one of the most dramatic comebacks in WAFCON final history.

Individual Excellence Recognised

The tournament concluded with well-deserved individual recognition for several Super Falcons stars. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade claimed the Player of the Tournament award, capping a stellar campaign that saw her lead by example throughout Nigeria’s successful title defence.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament, extending her recognition as Africa’s premier shot-stopper for the third consecutive year.

These individual accolades reflect the depth of talent within the current Super Falcons squad and underscore the professional standards that have elevated Nigerian women’s football to unprecedented heights on the continental stage.

Economic Impact and Future Prospects

The $1 million prize money, equivalent to over N1.5 billion, represents a significant financial injection for Nigerian football development, particularly for women’s football infrastructure and youth programmes.

This monetary reward, combined with the prestige of a 10th continental title, positions the Super Falcons perfectly for upcoming international competitions and provides crucial momentum for continued investment in the women’s game.

The victory also maintains Nigeria’s stranglehold on continental women’s football supremacy, extending their remarkable record of never losing a WAFCON final.

This achievement solidifies their status as the benchmark for women’s football excellence across Africa and reinforces their credentials ahead of future FIFA Women’s World Cup campaigns.

With this latest triumph, the Super Falcons have once again demonstrated that their dominance of African women’s football shows no signs of waning, setting the stage for continued success on both continental and global stages.