“They went. They saw. They have conquered again!” — President celebrates thrilling comeback win over Morocco
Abuja, Nigeria – July 27, 2025 – Nigeria’s President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has congratulated the Super Falcons for their remarkable victory at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), describing the team’s comeback triumph as a powerful testament to the unwavering spirit of the Nigerian people.
The Super Falcons staged one of the most dramatic finals in tournament history on Saturday night in Rabat, Morocco, fighting back from a two-goal deficit to defeat the host nation 3-2 and lift the WAFCON trophy for a record-extending 10th time.
“Never Say Never” – Tinubu Applauds Falcons’ Heroics
President Tinubu, who joined millions of Nigerians and fans across the continent in celebrating the team’s resilience, took to his official X (formerly Twitter) handle shortly after the final whistle to express his pride in the national team.
“They chose to accept this mission. They understood the assignment,” the President wrote.
“Our Superior Super Falcons delivered in true Nigerian fashion. Never say Never. They went. They saw. They have conquered again!”
His message, which quickly went viral, captured the essence of a nation united by sport, and the powerful emotions stirred by the team’s unforgettable performance.
A Night to Remember in Rabat
The final, held at the electrifying Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, looked to be slipping away from Nigeria early on. The host nation, Morocco, took the lead within the opening 24 minutes, with goals from star forwards Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanna Mssoudy. The early onslaught left the Super Falcons stunned and their fans anxious.
However, head coach Justine Madugu made tactical changes at halftime that would ultimately change the course of the match. He introduced the energetic Omorinsola Babajide and playmaker Jennifer Echegini, reshaping Nigeria’s midfield and attack.
The transformation was immediate.
Esther Okoronkwo ignited the comeback with a powerful strike just before the hour mark. The momentum then swung in Nigeria’s favor as young forward Folashade Ijamilusi fired home the equalizer in the 68th minute. With the game hanging in the balance, it was Echegini—brought on for her creativity—who delivered the winner in the 81st minute, silencing the Moroccan crowd and sending the Nigerian bench into wild celebrations.
A Record 10th Title
With the victory, the Super Falcons not only reaffirmed their dominance in African women’s football but also etched their name deeper into history. The team now boasts an unprecedented 10 WAFCON titles, making them the most successful national women’s football team on the continent by a wide margin.
Since the inception of the tournament in 1991, Nigeria has won 12 out of 15 editions—a statistic that underscores their enduring excellence and influence in the sport.
President’s Message Echoes Nationwide
President Tinubu’s celebratory message resonated widely across social and traditional media, reflecting the national mood of elation. Political leaders, celebrities, and ordinary citizens joined in congratulating the team, emphasizing the unifying power of sport in a country often challenged by political and economic divisions.
“This victory is about more than football. It’s about identity, pride, and belief,” said media analyst Bolaji Okusaga on Channels TV. “President Tinubu’s statement captured the national sentiment perfectly—our women went into the lion’s den and came out champions. That’s the Nigerian spirit.”
A President’s Continued Support for Sports
Since taking office, President Tinubu has made several pronouncements on the role of sports in youth development and national cohesion. His congratulatory message following the WAFCON final is in line with a growing emphasis on elevating women’s sports and recognizing their impact on national pride and international reputation.
Observers expect the federal government to build on this momentum by investing more in grassroots football programs, improving infrastructure, and ensuring female athletes receive the recognition and resources they deserve.
Super Falcons Speak on Historic Win
Speaking to reporters after the match, team captain Onome Ebi—one of the squad’s most experienced players—dedicated the victory to Nigerians everywhere. “We did this for our country, for the girls looking up to us, and for every Nigerian who believed in us when we were two goals down,” she said.
Jennifer Echegini, who scored the winning goal, was named Player of the Match and commended the coaching staff for their belief in her. “It’s an honor to wear this jersey, and to score in a WAFCON final is something I’ll cherish forever,” she said.
Coach Justine Madugu credited the win to “unshakable belief” and team unity. “At halftime, I told the girls that champions are made in moments like this. They listened, they responded, and they made history.”
Looking Ahead
With WAFCON 2025 in the books, attention now turns to the FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers and the Olympic Games, where Nigeria hopes to replicate this form on the global stage. Coach Madugu emphasized that the victory in Rabat is just the beginning of a larger vision for women’s football in Nigeria.
“We’re not done,” he told reporters. “We’ve shown what we can do in Africa—now we aim to take on the world.”
Nigeria Celebrates
From the streets of Lagos and Abuja to rural villages across the country, the celebrations have been unrelenting. Dance, music, and national colors flooded public spaces as Nigerians came together to revel in the historic moment.
In Enugu, Rivers, Kano, and Kaduna, spontaneous rallies broke out with fans waving the green-and-white flag and chanting the names of their football heroines. Social media platforms buzzed with viral videos of celebration and praise for the players, coaches, and support staff.
President Tinubu’s words—“Never say Never”—have since been adopted as the unofficial slogan of the victory, symbolizing both the triumph in Rabat and the enduring resilience of a nation.
Africa Live News will continue to bring you exclusive updates, player interviews, and expert analysis as the Super Falcons prepare for the next phase of their international journey.
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