WAFCON 2025: Nigerians in South Africa hail Super Falcons’ victory, advise early prep for defence

Nigerians in South Africa have congratulated the senior female national team for winning the 2025 Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) for the 10th time and advised that preparation for the title defense should begin immediately.

The Super Falcons defeated the hosts, Atlas Lionesses 3-2 in the final of the competition on Saturday at the Olympic Stadium, Rabat, Morocco.

A statement by Mr Smart Nwobi, President, Nigeria Union in South Africa (NUSA), the umbrella body of Nigerians in that country, said on Monday that the Super Falcons’ achievement would be remembered as the most thrilling final in the history of women’s football on the African continent.

“In what will be remembered as one of the most thrilling finals in the history of women’s football on the African continent, Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons pulled off a stunning comeback to defeat Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses 3-2 and lift their record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title.

“ Their triumphant feat, dubbed “Mission X’’ by fans and commentators, has sparked jubilation across Nigeria and among diaspora communities worldwide.

“Nigeria’s 2025 WAFCON victory has come at a crucial time. Amid soaring inflation, insecurity, youth unemployment and social unrest, this moment of national triumph offered a rare occasion for collective joy. The Super Falcons remind Nigerians that even when the odds seem impossible, victory is always within reach.

“In South Africa, members of the Nigerian community under the auspices of NUSA, joined the global celebration by issuing a congratulatory message to the team, commending their strength of character and the unyielding Nigerian spirit they displayed.

“Trailing by two goals in the first half and facing a roaring home crowd in Rabat, the Falcons embodied resilience, spirit and determination; qualities that have long defined Nigerian excellence in sport to defeat the home team at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium,’’ Nwobi, a lawyer said.

He noted that in cities like Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town, members of the Nigerian community gathered in pubs, viewing centers and homes to watch the final.

He added that celebrations erupted after the final whistle, with fans waving the Green-White-Green flags, singing old football chants and even performing traditional dances in open spaces.

“For many, this wasn’t just a football victory, it was a unifying moment that rekindled national pride in a time of widespread economic and political challenges back home.

“We join Nigerians across the world to congratulate the Super Falcons for this historic feat. Winning the 10th title proves that Nigeria remains the gold standard in African women’s football.’’

Nwobi urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) not to rest on its laurels, emphasising that preparation for the title defense should begin immediately.

“The standard of women’s football in Africa has improved significantly. Countries like Morocco, Zambia and South Africa are investing heavily. This implies that opposition will be stronger in future tournaments,’’ he warned.

He said Nigeria’s performance shows what can be achieved with unity and purpose, adding: “This victory is symbolic. It tells us that when we fight together as a team and believe in our strength, we can overcome any odds.

The NUSA President also extended congratulations to South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, who finished fourth in the tournament and were awarded the Fair Play Trophy.

“We salute Banyana Banyana for their discipline and sportsmanship. Despite not reaching the final, they played quality football and upheld the spirit of the game,’’ Nwobi noted.

Banyana Banyana have consistently proven themselves as Nigeria’s fiercest rivals in recent years, winning the 2022 edition of WAFCON and challenging Nigeria’s supremacy in women’s football.

He advised the diaspora community, particularly influential groups like NUSA that had a key role to play to adopt partnerships, sponsorships and advocacy to support female athletes and influence policy change back home.

“Let this victory be a wake-up call. Let it motivate us to demand better treatment and support for our athletes. If they can bring us pride and unity, the least we can do is empower them,’’ Nwobi said.