Follow @iambolar on X for more expert analysis.
In a tournament filled with drama, dazzling talent, and defiant comebacks, Nigeria’s Super Falcons reminded Africa and the world that they remain the gold standard in women’s football on the continent. With their record-extending 10th title secured in Rabat, the Falcons’ journey through the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) was as thrilling as it was historic.
On Saturday night, inside Morocco’s electric Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Nigeria overturned a two-goal deficit against the host nation in the final to seal a 3–2 victory and once again sit atop African football. The game—already being hailed as one of the greatest WAFCON finals ended in dramatic fashion with Jennifer Echegini’s 88th-minute strike clinching the crown.
“I am very happy to be a champion,” said Esther Okoronkwo, who was named Player of the Match. “In the locker room at halftime, we reminded ourselves what it means to wear this jersey it was all or nothing.”
The comeback not only showcased Nigeria’s depth and experience but also underlined the grit that has defined their dynasty for over three decades.
What a moment! ???pic.twitter.com/nSY7R99WBw
— Bet9ja: The home of #betBOOM! ? (@Bet9jaOfficial) July 29, 2025
With the 2024 victory, Nigeria have now won 10 of the 13 WAFCON editions, a staggering statistic that speaks to their long-standing supremacy. Only Equatorial Guinea (2008 and 2012) and South Africa (2022) have broken their dominance. In Rabat, the Falcons were on a mission to reclaim the title they narrowly lost two years ago.
The win was a perfect mix of old guard leadership and new energy. Players like Chiamaka Nnadozie, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Esther Okoronkwo carried the team with maturity beyond their years, while veterans like Onome Ebi provided invaluable locker room leadership.
If Nigeria’s forward line was fierce, their last line of defense was near impenetrable. Chiamaka Nnadozie, the 24-year-old goalkeeper who recently completed a stellar spell at Paris FC, was named Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament. She kept four clean sheets and conceded only once before the final.
The final itself was the second-highest scoring WAFCON final since 2010 and offered a showcase of the attacking talent within Nigeria’s ranks. Esther Okoronkwo, now plying her trade with AFC Toronto, was one of the stars of the campaign scoring goals, providing assists, and delivering in big moments.
Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade also led with distinction, scoring once, assisting twice, and winning three Woman of the Match awards. She was deservedly named Most Valuable Player of the Tournament, embodying the Falcons’ hunger, flair, and resilience.
?? ????? ?????? ?? ???? ???? ????? ?? ??? ???? ??
— Bet9ja: The home of #betBOOM! ? (@Bet9jaOfficial) July 29, 2025
Are you ready to go 1Up?! ?
With WAFCON 2024 now in the rearview mirror, attention turns to WAFCON 2026, scheduled for March 2026 in Morocco. Qualification matches resume in October 2025, with Nigeria set to face Benin Republic in a two-legged second-round fixture.
WAFCON 2026 will be even more critical as it doubles as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The four semi-finalists will secure automatic spots, while two others will head to the Intercontinental Play-offs.
Nigeria remains the most decorated African team on the global stage with nine FIFA Women’s World Cup appearances, a testament to their consistency and legacy. But the dream now is to translate continental dominance into a deeper World Cup run, perhaps even a podium finish.
If WAFCON 2024 showed anything, it’s that the Super Falcons are evolving—technically, mentally, and tactically and they are ready to take on the world again.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons are not just champions. They are trailblazers, role models, and symbols of African excellence in women’s football. With a tenth title now secured in thrilling fashion, they have once again reminded the continent why they remain Africa’s most feared and revered footballing force.
Mission X completed. Now, the world awaits.
