The Weight of Expectation
Nigeria’s Super Falcons entered the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a singular goal: to claim a record‐extending 10th continental crown under the banner of “Mission X.” As pre‐tournament favourites, they carried the hopes of a nation that has long viewed them as queens of African football. From the start, the pressure was immense—every pass, tackle, and shot scrutinized by millions back home.
Trials and Tribulations
Their path wasn’t without hurdles. Although they topped their group, a 0-0 draw with Algeria exposed momentary lapses in creativity and coordination. In the knockout stages, thigh niggles struck key players, and coach Justine Madugu had to rotate his squad to keep everyone fresh for the final push. Off the pitch, logistical snags and a fervent Moroccan crowd tested their resolve long before they stepped onto the Olympic Stadium turf in Rabat.
The Final’s Agony and Ecstasy
Facing hosts Morocco in the final, the Falcons found themselves reeling as two first‐half strikes by Ghizlane Chebbak (12′) and Sanaâ Mssoudy (24′) plunged them into an early hole and sent the home crowd into delirium. At halftime, Nigeria’s back was figuratively—and literally—against the wall, the noise deafening and their confidence wavering.
MinuteEventPlayerSource
12′ Morocco opens the scoring Ghizlane Chebbak [2]
24′ Morocco doubles lead Sanaâ Mssoudy [2]
64′ Penalty converted to spark the comeback Esther Okoronkwo (pen) [2]
71′ Equaliser from open play Folashade Florence Ijamilusi [2]
88′ Winning goal from a late free‐kick assist Jennifer Echegini [2]
Turning the Tide
The half‐time reshuffle was a masterstroke. Madugu refocused his players on mental resilience: “If we let two goals define us, the dream ends here,” he urged. The gamble paid off:
- 64th minute: A handball on Morocco’s Nouhaila Benzina led to a penalty that Okoronkwo coolly dispatched, reigniting hope in the Falcons’ ranks.
- 71st minute: Okoronkwo turned creator, laying on Ijamilusi for a precise finish that silenced the crowd and leveled the tie.
88th minute: Substitute Echegini met Okoronkwo’s free‐kick delivery to fire home the decisive goal, completing one of WAFCON’s greatest comebacks and sending the Nigerian bench into raptures.
The Sweetness of Victory
When the final whistle blew, Nigeria had not only defended their unblemished finals record (10 wins in 10 appearances) but also pocketed a $1 million prize purse. Tears, hugs, and national anthems reverberated through Rabat, marking a victory that had been steeped in pain but was now transformed into glory. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade lifted the trophy as Player of the Tournament. At the same time, Chiamaka Nnadozie’s stoic presence between the posts earned her Goalkeeper of the Tournament honours, capping a campaign resounding with redemption and collective pride.
