By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
Nigeria’s Super Falcons delivered one of the greatest comebacks in Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) history by defeating hosts Morocco 3–2 in a thrilling final on Saturday night at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.
The Falcons, who were two goals down in the first half, stunned the home crowd and lifted their record 10th continental title. FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Patrice Motsepe were among the dignitaries who witnessed the dramatic turnaround.
Morocco started brightly, with team captain Ghizlane Chebbak scoring in the 13th minute. Sanaâ Mssoudy doubled the lead in the 24th minute, leaving Nigeria trailing 2–0 before halftime.
The tide turned in the second half. In the 63rd minute, a cross from Ijamilusi struck Nouhaila Benzina’s arm in the box. After protests from the Moroccans, the referee awarded a penalty. Jennifer Okoronkwo calmly converted it to bring Nigeria back into the game.
Just eight minutes later, Okoronkwo dashed down the right flank and sent a low cross to Ijamilusi, who made it 2–2.
Morocco thought they had won a penalty in the 79th minute, but VAR overturned the call, frustrating the home team.
Then in the 88th minute, Christy Ucheibe delivered a long free-kick that was flicked on by Toni Payne. Chinwendu Echegini latched onto it and scored the winner, sending Nigerian fans into wild celebration.
Coach Randy Waldrum, reacting after the match, said, “They showed the heart of champions. From two goals down, they never stopped believing—this is what makes the Super Falcons special.”
With this victory, Nigeria earned a $1 million prize under CAF’s new prize structure and reinforced their dominance as Africa’s most successful women’s national team.
In the third-place match, Ghana beat South Africa 4–3 on penalties after a 1–1 draw.
The night, however, belonged to the Super Falcons—champions again after a comeback for the ages.