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WAFCON 2024 Final Preview: Nigeria and Morocco set for historic showdown in Rabat
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
The stage is set for a historic showdown in Rabat as Nigeria’s senior women’s national team and Morocco prepare to battle for continental glory in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
For the fourth time in tournament history, the Super Falcons and the Atlas Lionesses will go head-to-head — this time with the trophy on the line.
Once a fixture marked by Nigerian dominance, the rivalry has evolved into a highly competitive duel.
Their first-ever meeting at WAFCON 1998 ended in an emphatic 8-0 victory for Nigeria. Two years later, it was another one-sided affair — a 6-0 rout.
However, the tides began to shift in 2022, when Morocco stunned a nine-player Nigerian side with a 5-4 penalty shootout win in the semifinals on home soil.
Now, the two unbeaten teams at WAFCON 2024 return to the spotlight with scores to settle and silverware to chase.
Tale of the Tape
Both Nigeria and Morocco arrive in the final with identical records — four wins and a draw — and a combined 22 goals scored en route to the final. Nigeria boasts the best defensive record in the competition, conceding just one goal — a penalty against South Africa in the semifinals — while Morocco has shipped six.
Leadership and Firepower
Team captains Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria) and Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco) will play pivotal roles, not only as creative forces but also as emotional anchors for their teams.
For Nigeria, coach Justine Madugu has forged a disciplined unit, blending experience with youthful flair.
Meanwhile, Morocco’s head coach Jorge Vilda, fresh off guiding Spain to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup title, is on a mission to deliver the North Africans their first-ever WAFCON crown.
What’s at Stake
A win for Nigeria would mean a record-extending 10th WAFCON title, reinforcing their status as the undisputed queens of African football.
For Morocco, it would be a moment of history — their maiden triumph and a perfect redemption arc after losing the 2022 final to South Africa.
The hosts are eager to delight home fans and erase the heartbreak of two years ago, but to do so, they must end Nigeria’s perfect record in WAFCON finals — a feat no team has accomplished.
At the end of 90 minutes — or possibly more — history will be made: either Nigeria further extends their dominance, or Morocco climbs to the summit of African women’s football for the first time ever.
