Ajibade, Nnadozie Shine as Nigeria Clinch Historic 10th WAFCON Title

Nigeria’s Super Falcons capped off their triumphant 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign with individual honours for standout players Rasheedat Ajibade and Chiamaka Nnadozie, as the team reaffirmed its dominance on the continental stage.

In a pulsating final played on Saturday night at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, Nigeria stunned the host nation with a dramatic 3–2 comeback victory, further extending their record as the most successful team in WAFCON history.

Ajibade, the team’s captain, was named the Player of the Tournament, while goalkeeper Nnadozie walked away with the Best Goalkeeper Award. Both players were instrumental in what was dubbed “Mission X”, a campaign aimed at securing a historic 10th title for the Falcons.

Ajibade’s Leadership and Versatility Lauded

Known for her electric pace and signature blue-dyed hair, Ajibade was a consistent threat throughout the tournament. She scored one goal, provided two assists, and was a creative force from midfield after selflessly shifting from her natural forward role.

She earned three consecutive Woman of the Match awards against Botswana, Zambia, and South Africa, anchoring Nigeria’s midfield with energy, vision, and leadership.

“Ajibade’s tactical discipline and willingness to put the team first exemplified true leadership,” said a WAFCON technical committee official.

The Lagos-born star, who debuted for the Super Falcons in 2018 and was top scorer at WAFCON 2022, now has 20 international goals to her name.

Nnadozie: A Wall Between the Sticks

Chiamaka Nnadozie, Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, was equally pivotal to the team’s success. The Paris FC shot-stopper kept four clean sheets en route to the final and stood tall under pressure in several crucial moments.

Though she conceded twice in the final, her overall performance earned her the Golden Glove as the best goalkeeper of the tournament.

“Nnadozie’s confidence, composure, and reflexes were second to none. She kept Nigeria in the tournament during critical moments,” said an analyst on CAF’s post-match panel.

Okoronkwo Steals the Final Show

Esther Okoronkwo, who netted the equalising goal and provided the assist for the winning strike, was named Player of the Match in the final. Her contributions proved decisive as the Falcons overturned a two-goal deficit in front of a hostile Moroccan crowd.

A Symbolic Victory

Nigeria’s campaign, themed “Mission X”, resonated deeply with fans and players alike. It symbolised the pursuit of greatness and the determination to cement a legacy built on resilience, talent, and unity.

This latest triumph reinforces the Super Falcons’ status as Africa’s undisputed queens of football, with 10 WAFCON titles in their trophy cabinet — a feat no other nation has matched.

President Bola Tinubu, Minister of Sports John Enoh, and other dignitaries have congratulated the team for their historic achievement, hailing their courage and dedication.