WAFCON 2024: Tension grips Rabat as Nigeria, Morocco lock horns in epic final today

Femi Fabunmi

A historic night awaits African women’s football as host nation Morocco face nine-time champions Nigeria in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Saturday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Olympic Annex Stadium in Rabat.

Kick-off is set for 10:00 PM CAT (9:00 PM WAT).

The match promises to be a dramatic contest between two sides with contrasting ambitions.

Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses will be aiming to win their first-ever WAFCON title, while Nigeria’s Super Falcons are chasing a record-extending 10th championship, a goal the team has dubbed “Mission X.”

Morocco secured their place in the final after a tense 1-1 draw with Ghana in the semifinals, eventually winning 4-2 in a penalty shootout. Sakina Ouzraoui netted the equalizer in regulation time before the Lionesses held their composure in front of a home crowd to seal the victory.

Nigeria booked their spot in the final with a dramatic 2-1 win over South Africa. Michelle Alozie scored the decisive goal deep into injury time, continuing the Falcons’ unbeaten run through the tournament.

Saturday’s final will be a rematch of the 2022 WAFCON semifinal, where Morocco defeated Nigeria 5-4 on penalties after another 1-1 draw. That victory, also in Rabat, ended Nigeria’s hopes of winning the title on that occasion and remains a painful memory for the Super Falcons.

Nigeria captain Rasheedat Ajibade said her team is mentally and physically prepared for what she described as the most important match of the competition.

“This final will demand everything from us,” said Ajibade. “We’ll give more than 100 percent. We know we’re facing a motivated host team, but we’re confident and focused.”

Morocco will look to the leadership of experienced players such as Ghizlane Chebbak and the creativity of Ouzraoui, while Nigeria will rely on the firepower of Asisat Oshoala, Jennifer Echegini, and the solid hands of goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.

Namibian referee Antsino Twanyanyukwa will officiate the final, with assistant referees Alice Umutesi (Rwanda) and Tabara Mbodji (Senegal). Rwanda’s Salima Mukansanga will head the VAR team, supported by officials from Eswatini and Zambia.

The match will be played at the newly developed 21,000-seat Olympic Annex Stadium, part of Rabat’s expansive sports complex, which will also host matches in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

A win for Morocco would see them join Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, and South Africa as the only nations to have won the WAFCON title.

A Nigerian victory would reaffirm their dominance and add yet another chapter to their storied legacy in African women’s football.