By our reporter 26-7-2025
Nigeria’s Super Falcons came from two goals down to beat Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses 3-2 to lift the 2025 Women African Cup of Nations.
The Super Falcons and their supporters were stunned into silence at the Rabat Olympics Stadium as Morocco put their noses in front in 13 minutes; captain Ghizlane Chebbak smashed in the first goal following a poor clearance by the Super Falcons centre backs.
In the 24th minute the Moroccans were back again to rattle the Nigerian defence as Sanaa Mssoudy received the ball on the left edge of the box, and drilled in a low shot beyond the reach of Chiamaka Nnadozie.
In the second half the Super Falcons made good their dominant ball possessions with Rinsola Babajide and Jenifer Echegini who came for Halima Ayinde and Chinwendo Ihezuo, adding more urgency to the Super Falcons charge forward.
In the 64 minute, the Super Falcons were offered a lifeline after Nouhaila Benzini handled the ball in the box. Esther Okoronkwo sent Morocco keeper Khadija Er-Rmichi the wrong way to begin the fight back.
in the 71st minute Okoronkwo made a good run down the right and played on Folasade Ijamilusi who only had to tap in to bring the scores level.
The Super Falcons were saved by VAR after the referee awarded a hand ball penalty against Nigeria.
In the 88th minute Jennifer Echegini bundled the ball from an Okoronkwo free kick delivery to seal the game for Nigeria.
“It was amazing coming back from two goals down and we got the winning goal from a set piece,” said Okoronkwo who was voted woman of the match.
Captain Rashidat Ajibade was voted player of the tournament.
Justin Madugu was named coach of the tournament.