Asisat Oshoala has dismissed rumours of international retirement after Nigeria’s Super Falcons produced one of the greatest comebacks in Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) history, defeating hosts Morocco 3–2 in a thrilling final at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Saturday night.
The dramatic win earned Nigeria their 10th WAFCON title — dubbed Mission X — and reaffirmed their status as Africa’s queens of football. But it was the manner of the victory that stole the headlines.
Captain Ghizlane Chebbak opened the scoring for Morocco with a thunderous strike in the 13th minute, before Sanaâ Mssoudy doubled the hosts’ lead after beating Michelle Alozie and slotting past the goalkeeper to put the home crowd in full voice.
Down 2–0 at the break, Nigeria came out in the second half with renewed fire. A VAR review handed them a penalty in the 63rd minute, and Esther Okoronkwo coolly converted to start the comeback. Minutes later, she turned creator, slicing through the Moroccan defence and setting up Folashade Ijamilusi for the equaliser.
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The game turned on its head shortly after a dramatic VAR reversal denied Morocco a penalty, and Nigeria took full advantage. Okoronkwo again found space on the flank, whipping in a cross that Jennifer Echegini buried to complete the turnaround and send the Nigerian bench into wild celebrations.
Oshoala, who came off the bench in the second half to help steady the ship, spoke with journalists after the match and was quick to shut down any talk of stepping away from the national team.
“To be honest with you, I’m always ready. I always tell my girls to stay ready, and I do the same,” she said.
“You can be called on at any time, and when you get called on, go out there and show yourself.”
With rumours about her possible international retirement making the rounds in recent weeks, the Bay FC forward made her stance clear.
“I don’t know where the retirement talks came from, but people will always speak. I get it, so I’m not bothered,” she said.
“I’m still here, I’m still playing, I’m still doing my job, and that’s what I’m focused on.”
Reflecting on the rollercoaster night in Rabat, Oshoala called it her most exciting WAFCON victory yet.
“I think this one is the most exciting one we’ve won. Mission X, the comeback was incredible,” she concluded.
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