Nigeria’s Super Falcons made history with a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Morocco in the final of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), but the win has now sparked controversy as Morocco lodges an official protest against the match officials.
The final, played at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, ended in drama both on and off the pitch. After leading 2-0 in the first half, Morocco lost their grip as the Super Falcons came back strongly, scoring three goals through Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and super-sub Jennifer Echegini.
However, the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has petitioned the Confederation of African Football (CAF), alleging unfair officiating. Their main complaint centers on a penalty initially awarded in the 82nd minute after Nigerian defender Tosin Demehin was penalised for a handball. The referee later overturned the call following a VAR review — a decision that Morocco claims changed the outcome of the match.
Morocco’s head coach, Jorge Vilda, who previously led Spain to win the 2023 Women’s World Cup, said: “It was a small detail that cost us the game.” He admitted his team was tired in the second half but insisted the penalty reversal was the turning point.
On the Nigerian side, head coach Justine Madugu credited tactical changes and the strength of the substitutes for the comeback. “The substitutions made all the difference,” he said. “Morocco played a fantastic first half, but we found our rhythm.”
This loss is a painful one for Morocco, who now hold the record as the first WAFCON host nation to lose back-to-back finals. The FRMF has demanded that CAF investigate the refereeing, saying it “tainted the integrity of the tournament.”
In the third-place match, Ghana’s Black Queens defeated South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw.
