WAFCON 2024 Final: Nigeria, Morocco Set for Historic Title Clash in Rabat Showdown

A titanic clash awaits at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat tonight, as Nigeria take on hosts Morocco in the final of the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

With history and pride on the line, both nations enter the contest with contrasting narratives—but one shared goal: continental glory.

The Super Falcons, chasing a record-extending 10th title, are on a mission dubbed “Mission X”—a campaign symbolising their hunger to reclaim African dominance. On the other side, the Atlas Lionesses seek to become the first North African side to lift the WAFCON trophy, a moment that would crown years of strategic investment in the women’s game.

Unbeaten Titans Collide

Both teams arrive at the 21,000-capacity venue unbeaten. Nigeria have been particularly impressive, conceding just once in five matches—the only blemish coming from the penalty spot in their gritty 2-1 semi-final victory over defending champions South Africa. Right-back Michelle Alozie scored the winner in dramatic fashion deep into stoppage time, encapsulating the Falcons’ resilience.

“Mission X—it’s about going all the way to the final and winning it,” Alozie told BBC Sport Africa. “We’re growing as a team, and I think that shows every game.”

Morocco’s route to the final has been rockier. The hosts needed penalties to edge past Ghana in the semi-finals, surviving a torrid first half before Sakina Ouzraoui’s equaliser and a composed shootout finish earned them a spot in the final. It was a similar story in their opening match, where they had to come from behind twice to defeat Zambia.

Despite lacking the fluidity that carried them to the 2022 final, coach Jorge Vilda’s side have shown grit and tactical adaptability—qualities that could serve them well against the tournament’s most successful side.

Tactical Match-Up and Key Players

Nigeria coach Justin Madugu has crafted a balanced team that blends steel at the back, creativity in midfield, and depth in attack. The Super Falcons have seen nine different goal scorers in the tournament, underlining their versatility and threat from all areas.

Esther Okoronkwo, whose clever link-up play has become a hallmark of Nigeria’s attack, leads the line with confidence.

“We’re born with the zeal to fight and win every game,” she said. “That’s the Nigerian spirit.”

Behind them, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has been virtually unbreachable. Fresh off a move to Brighton in the English Women’s Super League, the 23-year-old’s assured presence has been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s defensive strength.

In contrast, Morocco’s goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi has looked unconvincing at times, while veteran captain Ghizlane Chebbak, the tournament’s top scorer with four goals, has faded in the latter stages. Still, the Atlas Lionesses boast attacking threats in Ibtissam Jraidi and winger Sanaa Mssoudy, both capable of swinging the game with a moment of magic.

A Clash of Eras—and Revenge

This will be only the second-ever WAFCON meeting between the two sides. Morocco famously edged Nigeria 5-4 on penalties in the 2022 semi-finals after a 1-1 draw—a painful memory still fresh for many in the Falcons camp.

“This is about revenge,” said four-time WAFCON winner Desire Oparanozie. “Morocco are impressive, they don’t give up—but Nigeria thrive in big moments.”

Indeed, Nigeria are no strangers to hostile environments. They beat hosts Cameroon in the 2016 final in front of 40,000 fans in Yaoundé, and they’ll draw on that experience in the face of a passionate Moroccan crowd.

More Than Just a Trophy

Beyond pride and prestige, the stakes are high: the winner takes home $1 million and the newly designed WAFCON trophy. For Morocco, victory would be a seismic shift in the continental landscape and a validation of their development efforts. For Nigeria, it would reaffirm their status as the standard-bearers of African women’s football.

As the sun sets over Rabat, all eyes will turn to the pitch, where two nations—one established, one emerging—will fight for supremacy. Whether it’s Mission X complete or a new dawn in North Africa, tonight’s final promises fireworks.