Nigeria Stuns Morocco With Dramatic Comeback to Win 10th WAFCON Title

In a stunning finale at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, Nigeria pulled off a remarkable comeback to defeat host nation Morocco 3-2 and lift their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title on Saturday.

The Atlas Lionesses looked poised to make history after a dominant first-half performance saw them race to a 2-0 lead. Captain Ghizlane Chebbak opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a thunderous strike, before Sanaâ Mssoudy added a second in the 24th minute following a dazzling run and precise finish.

Morocco entered the break firmly in control, having outplayed the Super Falcons and excited the home crowd with their intensity. Nigeria had more possession (56.9%) but barely threatened, managing just one tame effort on target in the first half.

However, the second half told a different story. Nigeria clawed their way back into the contest in the 63rd minute through a controversial penalty. After the ball struck Benzina’s arm inside the box, despite its proximity to her body, the referee pointed to the spot. Esther Okoronkwo made no mistake, sending the Moroccan keeper the wrong way to halve the deficit.

Just minutes later, in the 71st minute, Nigeria drew level. Okoronkwo turned provider, surging down the right flank before squaring to Folashade Ijamilusi for a simple tap-in.

Morocco thought they had a chance to regain the lead when the referee awarded a penalty for handball following a corner, but after a lengthy VAR review, the decision was controversially overturned — one of several questionable officiating moments that went against the hosts.

Nigeria completed the comeback in the 88th minute. Echegini latched onto a deep free-kick and poked the ball home to seal the victory and complete what coach Randy Waldrum dubbed “Mission X.”

The win not only handed Nigeria their record-extending 10th WAFCON trophy but also earned them the boosted $1 million top prize, part of the 45% prize money increase introduced by CAF for this edition.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Patrice Motsepe were among the dignitaries present to witness a thrilling and emotional final — a match that highlighted the rapid growth of women’s football across Africa.

For Morocco, the loss will sting after an inspiring campaign and a golden opportunity to claim a maiden title on home soil. Having knocked out Ghana on penalties in the semifinals, they will now aim to build on their impressive performance and come back stronger in future tournaments.

As the curtain falls on WAFCON 2025, Nigeria once again stands tall as queens of African football.