FCT RESIDENTS CELEBRATE AS PRESIDENT TINUBU COMMENDS SUPER FALCONS ON ACCOMPLISHING “MISSION X”
By: Gyang Dakwo
Residents of the Federal Capital Territory joined millions of their fellow compatriots in celebrating the Super Falcons as they orchestrated one of the most memorable comebacks to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 to claim their 10th Total Energies CAF Women Africa Cup of Nations.
Residents of the nation’s capital stayed up to watch the thrilling encounter, and shouts of celebration reverberated around neighbourhoods as the Falcons came from two goals down to accomplish what they termed “Mission X” in clinching their 10th title.
In a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Strategy, the President, in congratulating the women’s national team, said their victory exemplifies the determination that defines the Nigerian spirit. The president said, “With hard work, dedication and tenacity, you have achieved the mission the nation dreamed of and prayed for. The nation looks forward to welcoming our champions. Congratulations, Nigeria celebrates you
The final match, which was played at the Stade Olympique in Rabat, took place in a charged, partisan atmosphere. Moroccan fans pulled all sorts of stunts, roared down every Nigerian touch and celebrated each of their moves with thunderous insistence. The noise felt oppressive, fueling their side’s fast start and reinforcing home-ground pressure.
Under that atmosphere, Morocco seized the momentum early with a lethal long-range strike from Ghizlane Chebbak in the 12th minute, and doubled the lead through Sanaâ Mssoudy in the 24th minute. At halftime, the Atlas Lionesses looked destined for history on their soil.
But they were in for a shock as Nigeria returned for the second half inspired when Esther Okoronkwo stepped up to convert a VAR-awarded penalty in the 61st minute.
From then, Nigeria smelled blood and went for the jugular, tearing into Morocco’s defence with renewed urgency and precision.
Soon after, Okoronkwo turned provider, slipping a pass into the path of Folashade Ijamilusi, who fired home the equaliser with a left-footed strike.
Then, in the 88th minute, the sucker punch came when Okoronkwo floated a perfectly measured cross for Jennifer Echegini, who calmly slotted home the match-winner. The North Africans never saw that script; it was a brain-resetting blow, a moment of pure anguish.
That was the moment of intense joy for the Nigerian bench and surely for Nigerians in the stadium as well as those watching on TV or mobile devices and listening on the radio. Mission X is a go.
In desperation, Morocco threw everything forward in the closing minutes, but Nigeria held firm with Chiamaka Nnadozie, who was commanding in goal, while the backline repelled wave after wave of attack with composure.
This triumph did more than extend Nigeria’s dominance; it reaffirmed its identity. Their tournament was defined by disciplined tactics, collective resolve, and a willingness to answer back when challenged most.
Fittingly, at the end, three members of the team won tournament laurels as a testament to their impact. Head coach Justin Madugu was named Coach of the Tournament, acknowledged for steady leadership and tactical clarity. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, steadfast and influential in midfield, was awarded Player of the Tournament. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, calm under immense pressure, received the honour of Goalkeeper of the Tournament.
These individual accolades mirrored a team effort, a squad that blended experience and ambition, understood its roles, and performed under intense scrutiny.
Winning ten titles in thirteen editions is not merely a record. It is a reaffirmation. In an era where African women’s football continues to grow, Nigeria’s Super Falcons remain the benchmark.
Meanwhile, a veteran sports journalist, analyst and administrator, Godwin Bamigboye, said that the performance of the Moroccan national team indicated the gains of government investment in football, which also reflects in the men’s national team.
He, therefore, called for more government and private sector investment in sports development in Nigeria.
