In a thrilling finale to the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Nigeria completed a remarkable comeback to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 and claim a record-extending 10th title in Rabat on Saturday.
Substitute Jennifer Echegini was the hero, scoring an 88th-minute winner to cap off an inspired second-half performance by the Super Falcons. Nigeria, trailing by two goals within the first 24 minutes, rallied strongly to cement their status as Africa’s dominant force in women’s football—having now won 10 of the tournament’s 13 editions.
First-Half Shock, Second-Half Resurgence
Morocco looked poised to make history in front of a fervent 21,000-strong crowd at Stade Olympique, with Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy netting early goals to put the hosts in control. Nigeria, though dominant in possession during the first half, struggled to create real chances, registering just one shot on target.
The tide turned after the break. Esther Okoronkwo began the fightback in the 64th minute, converting a penalty following a VAR-confirmed handball. She then set up Folashade Ijamilusi for the equalizer just seven minutes later. In the dying moments, Okoronkwo delivered a pinpoint free-kick that Echegini slotted home, stunning the Moroccan crowd and sealing a dramatic victory.
Ghana Clinches Third Place
A day earlier in Casablanca, Ghana’s Black Queens secured third place after edging South Africa 4-3 in a penalty shootout. The match ended 1-1 in regular time. Despite an early error from goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan that gifted South Africa the lead, Ghana equalized through a crossbar deflection and an own goal from South African keeper Andile Dlamini.
Teenager Nancy Amoh sealed the win with the decisive penalty, marking a sweet revenge for Ghana after their earlier group-stage loss to South Africa.
Looking Ahead
With the next WAFCON set for March 2026—once again in Morocco—the tournament will also serve as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, promising even higher stakes and fiercer competition.
