When Justine Madugu was handed the reins of the Super Falcons in September last year, many in Nigerian football circles questioned the decision. The 61-year-old had never led a national team before, let alone one as storied and decorated as Nigeria’s senior women’s side. Yet, ten months later, Madugu silenced the doubters in the most dramatic way possible – by guiding Nigeria to a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title, completing what the nation dubbed “Mission X.”

The odds were stacked against the Super Falcons, especially after a shaky start to the tournament. Although they topped Group C unbeaten, critics back home were unimpressed by their narrow victories over Tunisia and Botswana and a goalless draw with Algeria. But Madugu stayed calm, insisting his side was “a work in progress,” one game at a time.

That steady resolve would face its sternest test in the final at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat. Facing hosts Morocco, managed by former Spain boss Jorge Vilda, the Falcons were stunned early – conceding twice in the opening 24 minutes to Moroccan skipper Ghizlane Chebbak and the lively Sanaa Mssoudy. Madugu, animated on the sidelines, urged his players to keep their shape and find spaces behind the Moroccan lines. But heading into halftime, it looked like Nigeria’s perfect WAFCON final record — nine wins out of nine — was about to end.

Then came the comeback.

PSG’s Onyi Echegini and AS Roma winger Rinsola Babajide came off the bench to inject pace and purpose. Slowly, the tide began to turn. Esther Okoronkwo, who had been Nigeria’s talisman throughout the tournament, pulled one back, then Babajide added a stunning equalizer. With Morocco reeling, Echegini delivered the final blow – a calm finish to seal a 3-2 comeback victory that will be remembered for generations.

“It was all or nothing,” Okoronkwo reflected after being named Player of the Final. “At halftime, we just looked each other in the eye and decided we weren’t going out like that. We found our spirit.”

Madugu credited the team’s mental toughness and belief. “If they didn’t have that resilience, we wouldn’t have turned it around,” he said. “They believed until the last whistle.”

Desire Oparanozie, the former Super Falcons captain who famously scored the winner in Nigeria’s 2016 final triumph against Cameroon, captured the essence of the moment: “The Falcons have always played with hunger. They want to win, they want to dominate, and they showed it again. Morocco were good, but Nigeria’s mentality is unmatched.”

While Nigeria celebrated a 10th continental crown, others noted that the tournament still has room for growth. South Africa’s coach, Desiree Ellis, highlighted the need for better scheduling and travel logistics. “Recovery and movement between venues was tough this time,” she said. “CAF must improve that ahead of the next edition.”

That next edition comes quickly — Morocco will host the WAFCON finals again next year, providing another chance to build on this year’s drama and spectacle.

For now, Nigeria celebrates. From doubts to dominance, Justine Madugu and his fearless Super Falcons have delivered “Mission X” in emphatic fashion.