Nigeria’s Super Falcons are poised to chase a record-extending 10th title when they face hosts Morocco in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Saturday at the 21,000-capacity Olympic Stadium in Rabat. Both teams remain unbeaten in the tournament, setting the stage for a highly anticipated and closely contested showdown between the continent’s top-ranked side and an ambitious host nation hungry for its first-ever WAFCON title.
Nigeria, who have conceded just one goal in five matches, head into the final with momentum and confidence under the banner of “Mission X” a campaign centered around clinching their 10th continental crown. Defender Michelle Alozie told BBC Sport Africa, “Mission X – that’s what this entire tournament was about. We’re growing as a team and I think that shows every game.” The Super Falcons booked their place in the final with a dramatic stoppage-time winner over defending champions South Africa in the semi-final.
Morocco, on the other hand, return to the WAFCON final determined to rewrite history after finishing runners-up in 2022 at the same venue. A win for the Atlas Lionesses would mark the first WAFCON title for a North African nation and validate the kingdom’s significant investment in women’s football. Despite inconsistent performances during the tournament, including a penalty shootout win over Ghana in the semis and earlier defensive lapses against Zambia, the team has displayed resilience and fighting spirit.
Led by Spain’s World Cup-winning coach Jorge Vilda, Morocco have shown flashes of brilliance. While captain Ghizlane Chebbak, joint-top scorer with four goals has faded slightly in the knockout stage, she remains a key threat. Striker Ibtissam Jraidi offers attacking firepower, and the team has gained praise for its never-say-die attitude. Former Nigerian international Desire Oparanozie acknowledged Morocco’s tenacity, saying, “They’ve been very impressive. They keep coming at you and that’s really a positive thing.”
Vilda’s appointment, however, has sparked debate. The coach was dismissed from his role with Spain following the 2023 Women’s World Cup scandal involving federation president Luis Rubiales, who was found guilty of sexual assault. While Vilda was cleared of coercion charges, his presence has polarized Moroccan fans. Still, his leadership could make history if Morocco claim the title making Vilda the first coach to win continental titles with two different nations.
The stakes are high, with the champions set to receive $1 million in prize money and lift a newly designed WAFCON trophy. For Nigeria, it’s a chance to reinforce their dominance in African women’s football. For Morocco, it’s an opportunity to complete their rapid rise on home soil and inspire the next generation of players in the region.
The match kicks off at 20:00 GMT and will be broadcast live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app for UK viewers, with live radio commentary on BBC World Service for listeners across Africa. As anticipation builds, the final promises to be a defining moment for women’s football on the continent.
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