RABAT, Morocco — Substitute Jennifer Echegini struck an 88th-minute winner as Nigeria overturned a two-goal deficit to beat hosts Morocco 3-2 in a thrilling Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final on Saturday, sealing a record-extending 10th continental crown.
The Super Falcons, who had dubbed their 2025 campaign “Mission X” in pursuit of a tenth title, showed grit and composure to silence a raucous capacity crowd at the 21,000-seat Stade Olympique. The result denied Morocco redemption after their second straight final defeat.
The hosts looked destined for glory when Ghizlane Chebbak’s superb strike in the 12th minute and Sanaa Mssoudy’s tidy finish 12 minutes later put them 2-0 up. It was the first time Nigeria had conceded from open play during the tournament.
But Esther Okoronkwo proved the spark Nigeria needed, coolly converting a penalty in the 64th minute after a VAR handball review, before setting up Folashade Ijamilusi’s equaliser seven minutes later. Okoronkwo then delivered the decisive free-kick that Echegini turned home late on to complete a famous comeback.
“This is Nigeria’s DNA — we never give up,” coach Randy Waldrum said after the final whistle. “The players showed incredible heart.”
For Morocco, the pain was palpable. Backed by a vibrant home crowd, the Atlas Lionesses had dominated the first half but faltered as Nigeria’s experience told.
Elsewhere in the tournament, Ghana secured third place on Friday after edging outgoing champions South Africa 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in Casablanca.
A bizarre error by Ghana goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan gifted South Africa the lead before persistent pressure forced an own goal by Andile Dlamini. In the shootout, 19-year-old Nancy Amoh coolly converted the decisive penalty to give the Black Queens a morale-boosting bronze.
The next Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will be held again in Morocco in March 2026, doubling as qualifiers for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
