WAFCON 2025: Nigerian players dominate victors’ podium

By Chris Umosen, WatchmanPost sport editor.

Nigerian players in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), concluded in Rabat, Morocco, yesterday, dominated most of the awards presented by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to players at the tournament.

The Super Falcons goalstopper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, bagged the best goalkeeper award; team captain Rasheedat Ajibade emerged Woman of the Tournament, and head coach Justin Madugu, was honoured as the best coach of the tournament.

On the other hand, Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak won the golden boot as highest highest goal scorer, while South Africa was handed the fairplay award.

In the final played between host Morocco and Nigeria at Rabat Stadium, and watched by football gatekers, including FlFA president Gianno lnfantino, CAF president Patrice Motsepe, among others, the Atlas Lionesses took the Super Falcons by storm, scoring two goals by interval pause.

On resumption, a different storyline began to unfold as the Falcons woke up from their slumber and became purposeful and aggressive.

Esther Okoronkwo raised Nigeria’s hopes when she scored the first goal through a spot kick while Folashade Ijamilisi clinically poked in the equaliser, and substitute Jennifer Echegini wrapped it up to seal Nigeria’s much-needed victory.

The Super Falcons began their tournament campaign by defeating Tunisia 3-0, played Botswana 1-1, and Algeria 0-0 at the group stage.

ln the quarter final, they demolished Zambia 5-0, and in the semi-final, dethroned reigning champions and their arch-rivals Banyana Banyana of South Africa 2-1, to qaulify for the final.

The final was epic, as they staged a rare comeback to defeat Morocco 3-0 to lift the giant trophy.