Falcons’ dramatic WAFCON win inspires Eagles’ World Cup campaign — NFF President Gusau

By Dayo Awoniyi

President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has hailed the Super Falcons’ dramatic comeback victory over Morocco in the final of the 13th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) as a source of inspiration for the Super Eagles ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.

Gusau, who witnessed the thrilling final on Saturday night at the Stade Olympique in Rabat, described the 3–2 win as “extraordinary,” highlighting the team’s resilience after overcoming a two-goal deficit to clinch Nigeria’s record-extending 12th WAFCON title.

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

He added that the victory sends a powerful message to the Super Eagles, who are seeking to revive their World Cup qualification hopes with four games remaining.

“This victory, and the spirit behind it, will have positive implications for the men in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series. Watching the Super Falcons tonight reinforces the belief that in sport and in life, it is never over until it is over.”

The Falcons’ path to continental glory included a 5–0 quarterfinal demolition of Zambia, a 2–1 semifinal victory over South Africa, and a hard-fought final win over host nation Morocco—who had knocked Nigeria out on penalties in the 2022 edition.

Gusau praised the team’s balance of individual brilliance and cohesive play, noting their impressive tournament statistics of 14 goals scored and only three conceded.

“From the coaching crew to the team captain and the players, we say thank you and well done. With another WAFCON title secured, our next target must be to challenge for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.”

Several Falcons players earned individual honors: Captain Rasheedat Ajibade was named Player of the Tournament, Chiamaka Nnadozie won Goalkeeper of the Tournament, and Justin Madugu was recognized as Coach of the Tournament.

Nigeria’s bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup resumes in September with back-to-back fixtures against Rwanda in Uyo and South Africa in Bloemfontein.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He began his career at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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