Nigeria’s Super Falcons will aim to cement their dominance in African women’s football when they face hosts Morocco in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Saturday, July 26, at the Stade Olympique in Rabat.
The high-stakes encounter pits the most successful team in WAFCON history against an ambitious Moroccan side eyeing their first-ever continental crown. For Nigeria, it’s a chance to claim a record-extending 10th title — a mission the team has dubbed “Mission X.”
The Falcons’ journey to the final has been far from easy. In a tense semi-final clash with defending champions South Africa, they secured a dramatic 2-1 victory thanks to a stoppage-time goal. Morocco, on the other hand, battled through a penalty shootout against Ghana after a 1-1 draw in extra time.
Saturday’s final will also revive memories of their 2022 semi-final meeting, where Nigeria, reduced to nine players, lost 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
The Super Falcons, with nine WAFCON titles and appearances in nine FIFA World Cups and four Olympic Games, bring unmatched experience into the tie. They have never lost a WAFCON final and are making their 10th appearance in the championship match.
Morocco, meanwhile, are appearing in their second consecutive final after finishing as runners-up in 2022. Their recent rise has been meteoric — qualifying for their maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023 and now aiming to become only the third nation to win the WAFCON.
Nigeria’s captain Rasheedat Ajibade has been a standout, winning three Woman of the Match awards in five games. She leads a formidable squad that includes top assist provider Esther Okoronkwo, experienced defender Osinachi Ohale, and midfield engine Halimatu Ayinde.
Morocco’s hopes will rest on star forward Ghizlane Chebbak, the tournament’s top scorer with four goals, and Yasmin Mrabet, who has also impressed in front of goal. However, the Atlas Lionesses’ defensive frailties could prove costly, having conceded in every match so far.
Nigeria dominated Morocco in their early WAFCON encounters, winning 8-0 in 1998 and 6-0 in 2000. But the tide began to shift in 2022, when Morocco, playing at home, defeated Nigeria in the semi-final via penalties.
