Mission X”—the campaign behind the Super Falcons’ push for their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown:
What is Mission X?
Mission X was launched by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in mid‑June 2025 to rally nationwide and diaspora support for the Super Falcons as they aimed to win their record-extending 10th WAFCON title in Morocco .
The campaign tagline: “One Team. One Goal. One More Star.” It sought to unify Nigerians around the national women’s team and elevate visibility around women’s football .
Interestingly, some players—including goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and forward Rinsola Babajide—said they were initially unaware of the campaign, pointing to gaps in internal communication despite its public prominence .
Timeline: From Launch to Trophy
June 17, 2025: NFF officially launched Mission X through a media blitz asking fans to back the Super Falcons as they head to the 2024 WAFCON (postponed to July 2025) .
June 25, 2025: The team flew into Casablanca, arriving with a 22-player delegation, including veterans like Asisat Oshoala and Folashade Ijamilusi, ahead of tournament group matches .
July 18, 2025 (Quarter‑final): Nigeria thrashed Zambia 5–0 to book a semi-final spot. This match was branded part of their Mission X performance push .
July 22, 2025 (Semi‑final): The Super Falcons edged South Africa 2–1 in Casablanca to reach the final against hosts Morocco .
July 26, 2025 (Final): In Rabat, Nigeria came from 2–0 down to beat Morocco 3–2, sealing their 10th WAFCON title and completing Mission X in dramatic fashion. Goals by Esther Okoronkwo (pen), Folashade Ijamilusi, and late winner by Jennifer Echegini made history .
July 27, 2025: SuperSport and NFF officially declared: Mission X = COMPLETE — Nigeria are champions! .
Match Highlights & Key Players
Match Phase Result Notable Contributions
Group Stage vs Tunisia, Botswana, Algeria Prepped for knockout; strong team cohesion
Quarter-final 5–0 vs Zambia Dominated early through defensive headers and free-kicks
Semi-final 2–1 vs South Africa Ajibade’s penalty and Alozie’s stoppage-time winner
Final 3–2 vs Morocco Okoronkwo, Ijamilusi & Echegini led one of WAFCON’s greatest comebacks
Rasheedat Ajibade was named Player of the Tournament, anchoring the comeback effort in multiple matches.
Chiamaka Nnadozie, already recognized as Africa’s best goalkeeper for two years running, earned the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award .
