Super Falcons’ Victory Sparks Protest: Morocco Petitions CAF

 Super Falcons’ Victory Sparks Protest: Morocco Petitions CAF Over Penalty Controversy

The dust is yet to settle after Nigeria’s Super Falcons pulled off a stunning 3-2 comeback victory over Morocco in the WAFCON 2025 final, but now, controversy is brewing off the pitch.


The Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has formally petitioned the Confederation of African Football (CAF), claiming that refereeing decisions unfairly influenced the outcome of the match held at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat. Eyes Of Lagos reports,


The Controversial Call


At the center of Morocco’s protest is an incident in the 82nd minute, when Nigerian defender Tosin Demehin was flagged for a handball inside the box. The referee initially awarded a penalty, but after VAR review, the decision was overturned, much to the frustration of the Moroccan bench.


“It was a small detail that cost us the game,” lamented Jorge Vilda, Morocco’s head coach and 2023 Women’s World Cup-winning manager with Spain.


Vilda admitted his team suffered from fatigue in the second half, but insisted the penalty reversal was a critical turning point.

Nigeria’s Historic Comeback


Morocco dominated the first half and stunned fans by going 2-0 up early. But the Super Falcons clawed their way back, scoring three goals through:


Esther Okoronkwo


Folashade Ijamilusi


Jennifer Echegini (super-sub)


Head coach Justine Madugu credited his team’s halftime tactical changes and praised the Nigerian bench’s depth.


“The substitutions made all the difference,” he told reporters. “But full credit to Morocco — they played a brilliant first half.”


[bb]Morocco Makes Unwanted History[/]


This loss marks a bitter milestone for Morocco — the first WAFCON host nation to lose back-to-back finals. The FRMF insists CAF must investigate the officiating, suggesting it “tainted the integrity of the tournament.”


Meanwhile, in the third-place playoff, Ghana’s Black Queens edged past South Africa’s Banyana Banyana on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw.


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