Folashade Ijamilusi’s dream debut at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) culminated in a triumphant victory for the Super Falcons, etching her name into Nigerian football history. The 2027 tournament, held in Morocco, witnessed the Super Falcons clinch their record-extending 10th continental title, a feat made even more special by Ijamilusi’s pivotal contributions. Having waited patiently on the sidelines during the group stages, Ijamilusi seized her opportunity in the knockout rounds, demonstrating her scoring prowess and playing a crucial role in the team’s journey to the final.
The final against the host nation, Morocco, unfolded as a dramatic encounter, testing the Super Falcons’ resilience and determination. The Moroccan team, spurred on by their home crowd, took an early two-goal lead, capitalizing on their attacking opportunities and putting Nigeria on the back foot. Ghizlane Chebbak, the tournament’s top scorer, opened the scoring for Morocco, followed by Sanaâ Mssoudy’s strike, which doubled their advantage. The first half ended with Morocco in a commanding position, leaving the Super Falcons with a mountain to climb in the second half.
The Super Falcons emerged from the halftime break with renewed vigor and a determined mindset. They displayed their championship pedigree, mounting a spirited comeback that shifted the momentum of the match. Esther Okoronkwo ignited the Nigerian resurgence, converting a penalty kick to reduce the deficit. Okoronkwo then turned provider, setting up Ijamilusi for the equalizer, a moment that underscored Ijamilusi’s impact on the game. The comeback was complete when Jennifer Echegini capitalized on Okoronkwo’s free-kick, scoring the winning goal in the closing stages of the match.
Ijamilusi’s journey to WAFCON glory began in 2019 when she received her first call-up to the Super Falcons squad during the Olympic Games qualifiers. She returned to the national team setup two and a half years later for a friendly match held at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos against Ghana. Ijamilusi displayed her goal scoring ability, putting on an electrifying performance during the two-legged clash, showcasing her ability to find the back of the net. It was at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos that she netted a hat-trick, in the second leg of the encounter. Her performance in the first and second leg impressed the technical staff of the Super Falcons which led to her inclusion in the team that flew to Morocco.
Playing for Edo Queens in the Nigeria Women’s Football League at the time, Ijamilusi’s hat-trick in Lagos reintroduced her to the Nigerian football fans in a spectacular fashion. Her impressive form caught the attention of Liaoning Baiye FC, a club competing in the Chinese Women’s Super League, and she made the move to China in February 2025. This move provided Ijamilusi with valuable experience playing in a competitive league, further honing her skills and preparing her for the challenges of international football.
The WAFCON triumph marked a significant milestone in Ijamilusi’s career, fulfilling a lifelong dream of winning a major tournament with the Super Falcons. Her contributions to the team’s success, particularly her crucial goals in the knockout stages, solidified her place as a rising star in Nigerian women’s football. Ijamilusi’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring footballers, highlighting the importance of hard work, dedication, and perseverance in achieving one’s goals. Her success story adds another chapter to the rich legacy of the Super Falcons, reinforcing their dominance in African women’s football. Ijamilusi’s impactful performance in her maiden WAFCON tournament signals a bright future for both the player and the Super Falcons. Her ability to rise to the occasion in crucial moments underscores her potential to become a key figure in the national team for years to come. As the Super Falcons continue their quest for continental and global glory, Ijamilusi’s talent and determination will undoubtedly play a significant role in their future successes.
