🇳🇬 Nigeria Applauds Women’s WAFCON Triumph After Stunning Turnaround Against Morocco
Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has led a nationwide celebration after the Super Falcons secured a sensational 3-2 victory over host nation Morocco to win the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) — their 10th title in 13 editions, further cementing their dominance in African women’s football.
The electrifying final, held at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on July 26, saw the Falcons bounce back from a two-goal deficit, with substitute Jennifer Echegini netting the winning goal just minutes before full-time.
President Tinubu, in a post-match video call with the team, hailed their “outstanding comeback” as a true reflection of the resilience and strength that symbolizes the Naija spirit. “You’ve uplifted the mood of the nation. You represent the pride of this generation,” he said, acknowledging the players’ contribution to national morale amid challenging times.
A Nation Uplifted Amid Economic Turmoil
The win, internally referred to as “Mission X”, offered emotional relief for many citizens grappling with the country’s toughest cost-of-living crisis in decades, triggered by ongoing government reforms.
Muhammad Awwal, a cab driver in Kano who had fled insurgency-hit Borno State, praised the Falcons for providing “a welcome distraction” from daily hardships like insecurity, banditry, and economic distress. “The final whistle sparked wild celebrations — even if for a moment, our burdens disappeared,” he shared with AFP.
Comfort Zamani, a homemaker in Abuja, echoed the sentiment: “Life hasn’t been easy lately, but these young women reminded us that hope still exists.”
Communities in densely populated Abuja neighborhoods such as Kabusa, Galadimawa, and Dako echoed with jubilant cheers — especially after Echegini’s clutch free kick sealed the win with just two minutes to spare.
Headlines and Reactions
Nigerian newspapers on Sunday featured triumphant headlines like:
“Super Falcons Rule Africa Once Again”
“Unstoppable Falcons Soar to 10th WAFCON Glory
The Supporters Club Chair, Vincent Okumagba, commended the squad for “executing Mission X” and demonstrating unshakable belief despite the odds. “They refused to quit when it mattered most,” he said.
