Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade raises the WAFCON trophy as she leaves the aeroplane.

The Super Falcons of Nigeria received a grand welcome Monday as they returned to Abuja from Morocco, fresh off their historic triumph at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Touching down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 2:26 p.m. aboard a chartered flight, the team was greeted by jubilant fans and top government officials who had gathered hours ahead to celebrate the record-breaking squad.

Among those on hand to receive the champions were the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris; the Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; and the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.

The team is expected to parade the WAFCON trophy through the streets of Abuja in an open-top bus en route to the Presidential Villa, where President Bola Tinubu will host them in honour of their victory.

The Super Falcons made history on Saturday night in Rabat by claiming their 10th WAFCON title. They mounted a sensational comeback to defeat host nation Morocco 3-2 in a dramatic final at the Olympic Stadium.

Morocco took an early lead in the 13th minute when tournament top scorer Ghizlane Chebbak converted a loose ball to put the Atlas Lionesses ahead. The hosts doubled their advantage in the 28th minute through Mssoudy, whose low-driven strike beat Nigeria’s goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.

Trailing 2-0 at halftime, the Super Falcons returned to the pitch with renewed determination. Their persistence was rewarded in the 63rd minute when Esther Okoronkwo converted from the penalty spot after a handball by Benzina.

Just eight minutes later, Okoronkwo turned provider, setting up Deborah Ijamilusi to level the score at 2-2. The final blow came in the 88th minute when Jennifer Echegini connected with a deep free kick, poking the ball home to seal Nigeria’s victory.

The thrilling win marks Nigeria’s tenth triumph in ten WAFCON final appearances, cementing the Super Falcons’ legacy as Africa’s most successful women’s football team.