History was made under the floodlights of Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on July 26, 2025, but not by the hosts. In a match that will be remembered for years to come, Nigeria's Super Falcons overcame a 2–0 halftime deficit to defeat Morocco 3–2, capturing their long-sought 10th WAFCON crown—a mission they proudly dubbed Mission X.
The final was nothing short of a football epic.
Morocco struck early, electrifying the home crowd with goals from Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy. The Atlas Lionesses looked poised to repeat their 2022 semifinal upset over Nigeria. Their speed, pressing, and confidence dominated the first half, leaving the Super Falcons stunned and trailing 2–0 at the break.
But champions don’t fold—they rise.
Nigeria returned from the locker room with renewed fire and tactical focus. In the 62nd minute, a Moroccan handball in the box led to a penalty. Asisat Oshoala, calm under pressure, slotted it home to narrow the deficit to 2–1. The Nigerian bench erupted, and the shift in momentum was palpable.
Minutes later, in the 71st minute, Esther Ijamilusi completed a sweeping move with a clinical finish to level the game. Nigeria had clawed their way back, and the Moroccans—once vibrant—began to show signs of fatigue and panic.
Then, with just two minutes left in regulation time, Nigeria delivered the final blow. A lightning-fast counterattack found substitute Echegini, who drove a stunning strike past the Moroccan goalkeeper to make it 3–2. The comeback was complete.
When the final whistle blew, Moroccan players sank to the ground in disbelief, while Nigeria’s bench flooded the field. The Super Falcons had done it—they had defied the odds, silenced a roaring home crowd, and etched “Mission X” into African football history.
Reactions:
Asisat Oshoala, Nigeria’s captain, said in tears after the match:
“This victory is for every girl in Africa. We came here for history, and we wrote it. We are not done—we are just getting started.”
Coach Justin Madugu praised his team’s grit:
“We knew Morocco would come out strong. But we trusted our system and the heart of our players. I’ve never been prouder.”
From Rabat to Lagos, the celebration was instant. Social media exploded. Videos of watch parties and street parades from Nigeria to the diaspora flooded timelines.
Bigger Than a Trophy
This win wasn’t just a football victory—it was a cultural moment. Nigeria’s triumph on Moroccan soil symbolizes the rise of African women in sport, the power of resilience, and the unshakable spirit of a team that continues to inspire generations.
Morocco, for their part, deserve praise for their performance and for hosting a thrilling tournament. Their growth reflects the expanding depth and competitiveness of African women’s football.
Final Stats Recap:
| Event | Detail |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Nigeria 3 – 2 Morocco |
| Nigeria Goals | Oshoala (62’ pen), Ijamilusi (71’), Echegini (88’) |
| Morocco Goals | Chebbak (12’), Mssoudy (33’) |
| Attendance | 21,000+ in Rabat |
| Title Won | Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON championship |
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