WAFCON 2024: Nigeria's legacy meets Morocco's ambition in Rabat final

WAFCON 2024: Nigeria's legacy meets Morocco's ambition in Rabat final

The 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will conclude with a blockbuster final tonight as record champions Nigeria take on host nation Morocco at the Stade Olympique in Rabat—a high-stakes rematch of their dramatic 2022 semi-final.

The stage is set for a one-of-a-kind conclusion to the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), held in 2025, as nine-time champions Nigeria face host nation Morocco tonight at the Stade Olympique in Rabat.

This highly anticipated clash doubles as a rematch of their dramatic 2022 semi-final, where Morocco edged Nigeria in a penalty shoot-out to reach their first-ever WAFCON final.

Nigeria, the most decorated team in WAFCON history, have never lost a final. The Super Falcons are chasing a record-extending 10th crown, having won all nine finals they’ve contested.

Their path to this year’s final has been defined by control. They opened with victories over Tunisia (2-0) and Botswana (1-0), before a goalless draw with Algeria. In the quarter-finals, they dismantled Zambia 5-0, then edged defending champions South Africa 2-1 in a tense semi-final.

Coach Justine Madugu’s side has conceded just once in five games, a penalty against South Africa and scored 11 goals through eight different players. Despite limited minutes from star forward Asisat Oshoala, Nigeria’s experienced squad, led by Rasheedat Ajibade and Halimatu Ayinde, remains the team to beat.

Morocco, under Spanish coach Jorge Vilda, drew 2-2 with Zambia to start their campaign, then defeated DR Congo 4-2 and Senegal 1-0 to top their group. A confident 3-1 win over Mali followed in the quarter-finals before a tense semi-final against Ghana. After a 1-1 draw in extra time, Morocco prevailed 4-2 on penalties.

While their midfield, led by Ghizlane Chebbak and Yasmin Mrabet, has been instrumental in their 11 goals, defensive vulnerabilities persist they’ve conceded six times and kept just one clean sheet.

Historically, Nigeria dominated early encounters, winning 8-0 and 6-0 in 1998 and 2000. But Morocco’s 2022 breakthrough changed the narrative.

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