ABUJA, FCT – July 27, 2025 – Nigeria, a nation consumed by its love for football, is in a state of euphoric celebration after the Super Falcons staged a breathtaking comeback to secure a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco. The dramatic 3-2 victory against the tournament hosts in Rabat on Saturday night cemented West Africa’s dominance in women’s football, marking their 10th triumph in 13 editions of the continental showpiece.
President Bola Tinubu led the chorus of national praise, declaring the team’s “spectacular performance… exemplifies the determination that defines the Nigerian spirit.” The Super Falcons, displaying incredible resilience, rallied from being two goals down to snatch victory, a feat that resonated deeply across the country.
“You have lifted our spirits. You are a pride to your generation,” President Tinubu personally told the triumphant team in a post-match video call. “You have achieved the mission the nation dreamed of and prayed for. Nigeria celebrates you.”
Dubbed “Mission X,” this WAFCON title provided a much-needed tonic for millions of Nigerians currently navigating the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation due to ongoing government reforms. For many, the victory offered a powerful, albeit temporary, escape from daily hardships.
Muhammad Awwal, a taxi driver who relocated to Kano to escape the violence in Borno state, expressed the profound impact of the win. “Everywhere people erupted in celebration after the final whistle. All our problems were drowned in the frenzy of celebration of the spectacular win,” Awwal told AFP. “Last night all the problems tormenting us – the high cost of living, banditry and Boko Haram violence – disappeared. It was a great relief, thanks to the Falcons.”
Comfort Zamani, a housewife in Abuja, echoed this sentiment. “Life has not been easy, but at least the girls helped us to forget the hardships even if for only a few hours,” she told AFP. “They have given us some hope that we should keep fighting and not give up even when things are rough.”
In the densely-populated Abuja neighborhoods of Dako, Kabusa, and Galadimawa, loud cheers pierced the late-night air as Nigeria clawed back with two crucial goals. The loudest roars, however, erupted when substitute Jennifer Echegini swept home a free kick with just two minutes remaining on the clock, securing the championship-winning goal, followed by an explosion of joy at the final whistle.
Sunday newspapers across the nation captured the excitement with bold front-page headlines such as “Unstoppable Falcons win 10th WAFCON from two goals down” and “Super Falcons rule Africa again.”
Vincent Okumagba, Chairman of the country’s supporters club, further congratulated the players “for accomplishing ‘Mission X'” and for their indomitable spirit in “not giving up when they were down.” The Super Falcons’ historic victory stands as a powerful testament to perseverance, uniting a nation in shared triumph and rekindled hope.
