Mission X: Falcons’ Victory Will Inspire Eagles In World Cup Race, Says NFF President

The Super Falcons’ astonishing come-from-behind victory in the 13th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final against hosts Morocco on Saturday will serve as a source of inspiration for the Super Eagles in their remaining 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, according to NFF president Ibrahim Musa Gusau.

Gusau was elated inside the Stade Olympique du Rabat on Saturday night as the Falcons staged a remarkable comeback, overcoming a two-goal deficit in the first half to ultimately defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 in a memorable Women’s AFCON final.

“I am very happy because our girls rose from the ‘dead’, as they say, and fought for victory. This was an extraordinary performance. I congratulate them on their resilience, determination, patriotism, and the evident display of the well-known Nigerian spirit.

“This victory, and the spirit behind it, will have positive implications for the men in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series.

We have four more matches to turn the tide against our opponents, and witnessing the Super Falcons tonight, and how they turned things around, reinforces the wise saying that in sport and in life, it is never over until it is over.”

Gusau commended the fighting spirit of the Falcons, praising them for an impressive tally of 14 goals scored and only three conceded, as well as the outstanding performances that earned several individual awards.

“From the coaching staff to the team captain and the players, we say thank you and well done. With another commanding triumph in the Women’s AFCON, our next target should be conquering the world at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.”

The Super Falcons were magnificent in their six matches, particularly in overpowering three teams that had defeated them in their worst-ever performance at Africa’s flagship competition three years ago.

In 2022, Zambia edged the Falcons for the bronze medals, but this time they suffered a 5-0 defeat in the quarter-finals. The same year, South Africa narrowly defeated Nigeria 2-1 in a group stage match, but this time they were subjected to the same scoreline in a semi-final encounter. Additionally, Morocco, who had defeated Nigeria on penalties in a dramatic semi-final in 2022, were overtaken in this year’s final.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade was voted Player of the Tournament, while goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie won the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award. Coach Justin Madugu was named Coach of the Tournament.