Seven years ago, following Nigeria’s dramatic penalty shootout win over South Africa in the 2018 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final in Accra, a jubilant fan made headlines, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigeria and South Africa played to a tense 0–0 draw through 120 minutes, with the match ultimately decided by a penalty shootout.
Nigerian goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi emerged as the hero after making the decisive save to secure Nigeria’s ninth Africa Women’s Cup of Nations title.
WAFCON Is Nigerian Cup Of Nations
Following the game, veteran Nigerian journalist, Lolade Adewuyi, approached a fan, and she proclaimed with infectious pride.
“It’s not African Cup of Nations, it’s Nigerian Cup of Nations. It’s an easy point.” she said.
That phrase—dismissed by some at the time as mere fanfare—has aged like fine wine.
Fast forward to 2025, and the Super Falcons of Nigeria have emphatically validated her words. With a 3-2 comeback victory over hosts Morocco in Rabat on Saturday night, Nigeria claimed their 10th title.
This completes a mission they boldly labeled “Mission X” before the tournament began.
A Factual Statement For The Falcons
That fan’s cheeky assertion in 2018 has turned out to be a factual statement after the Nigerian women have etched their dominance in the tournament with their numbers.
In Saturday’s final, Nigeria came from 0–2 down to beat Morocco 3–2, thanks to second-half goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and substitute Jennifer Echegini, whose 88th-minute strike sealed a famous win .
With that goal, Nigeria completed the most iconic comeback in the final’s history and avenged their controversial semifinal loss to Morocco from 2022, where, reduced to nine players, they were ousted on penalties.
“Mission X” Accomplished in Style At WAFCON
Nigeria dubbed their title chase “Mission X” which was in reference to their desire to win a record-extending 10th title. And they delivered.
Head coach Justin Madugu, who masterminded the team’s unbeaten run in Morocco, described the win as a result of their resilience and belief.
“If they didn’t have mental resilience, they would have given up,” Madugu said post match. “But they kept believing and they earned this victory.”
It would be noted that in 2025, Nigeria did not just win WAFCON. They reasserted their divine right to it. It can now be agreed that the African Cup of Nations belongs to the Super Falcons—until proven otherwise.