Substitute Jennifer Echegini scored a dramatic 88th-minute winner as Nigeria mounted a stunning comeback to defeat hosts Morocco 3–2 in the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat on Saturday.
The Super Falcons, who trailed 2–0 after just 24 minutes, stormed back in the second half to secure a record-extending 10th continental title, fulfilling their self-declared “Mission X.”
Morocco, cheered on by a sold-out 21,000-capacity crowd at the Stade Olympique, were bidding for their first-ever title but fell short for the second consecutive final.
Esther Okoronkwo was instrumental in Nigeria’s victory, scoring their first goal from the penalty spot, assisting the equaliser for Folashade Ijamilusi, and delivering the free-kick that led to Echegini’s decisive strike.
The Atlas Lionesses had taken an early lead through Ghizlane Chebbak’s precise long-range effort, followed by a second from Sanaa Mssoudy. Despite Nigeria’s first-half possession, they struggled to create clear chances.
Momentum shifted after the break. A VAR review awarded Nigeria a penalty for handball, which Okoronkwo converted in the 64th minute.
Seven minutes later, she set up Ijamilusi for the equaliser, before Echegini completed the comeback with a composed finish that silenced the home fans and sealed Nigeria’s place at the summit of African women’s football once again.
(Aljazeera)
