When the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) kicked off in Morocco on July 5, few gave Nigeria’s Super Falcons a real shot at glory. Doubts lingered over their squad depth, recent performances, and ability to bounce back from their 2022 heartbreak. But as the dust settled weeks later, the Super Falcons clinched a record-extending 10th WAFCON title and reasserted their supremacy in African women’s football.
This year’s edition, hosted in Morocco for a second consecutive time, featured 12 teams divided into three groups. The top two from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, progressed to the quarterfinals. For Nigeria, the mission was simple: reclaim the title lost to South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in 2022.
Rocky start in Group B
Drawn in Group B alongside Tunisia, Botswana, and Algeria, the Super Falcons faced a mix of familiar foes and rising challengers. Their campaign began brightly with a 3–0 victory over Tunisia in Casablanca, courtesy of goals from Asisat Oshoala, Rinsola Babajide, and Chinwendu Ihezuo.
Despite the strong start, criticism resurfaced after a narrow 1–0 win against a low-rated Botswana, secured by Ihezuo’s late strike. The team’s final group game, a goalless draw with Algeria, fuelled further concerns, though the result was enough to see Nigeria top the group with seven points, four goals scored, and none conceded.
Quarterfinal statement: Falcons crush Zambia
Facing a formidable Zambian side in the quarter-finals, the Super Falcons delivered a resounding statement. Goals from Osinachi Ohale, Esther Okoronkwo, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Oluwatosin Demehin, and Florence Ijamilusi powered them to a stunning 5–0 win.
The dominant display shocked many across the continent, particularly as Zambia had been unbeaten heading into the clash. Nigeria’s pace, precision, and ruthless finishing overwhelmed the Copper Queens.
Sweet revenge over South Africa
In the semi-finals, the Falcons secured a 2-1 victory against arch-rivals South Africa. It was a rematch of the 2022 final, and Nigeria were out for revenge.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade opened the scoring, but Banyana Banyana equalised through Linda Motlhalo. As the match edged towards extra time, Michelle Alozie’s late cross evaded everyone, including the goalkeeper, and nestled into the net in the 94th minute, sending Nigeria into the final.
Falcons conquer Morocco
Against hosts Morocco in Rabat, Nigeria faced adversity early, falling 2–0 behind within 25 minutes. Yet, in classic Super Falcons fashion, they refused to quit.
Esther Okoronkwo converted a penalty after the break, and Folashade Ijamilusi’s equaliser levelled the tie. Then, in the 88th minute, Jennifer Echegini delivered the killer blow, slotting home the dramatic winner to complete an epic 3–2 comeback and silence the home crowd.
The victory not only avenged their painful 2022 semi-final exit to Morocco on penalties but also underscored the team’s grit, heart, and unyielding spirit.
National honours and rewards
In recognition of their historic achievement, President Bola Tinubu hosted the Super Falcons at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. He conferred national honours, Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), on all 24 players and members of the technical crew.
Additionally, each player received a $100,000 reward (over N153 million), while technical crew members received $50,000 (over N76 million). All recipients were also gifted a three-bedroom apartment in Abuja’s Renewed Hope Housing Estate.
The Nigerian Governors’ Forum joined in, awarding N10 million to each player in further appreciation of their efforts.
CAF recognition and continental dominance
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Monday announced the WAFCON 2025 Best XI, with four Super Falcons stars earning deserved places: goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Michelle Alozie, midfielder Rasheedat Ajibade, and forward Esther Okoronkwo.
Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON triumph not only extended their unparalleled legacy but also sent a clear message to the rest of the continent: the Super Falcons remain the undisputed queens of African football, regardless of the rising competition.
