Nigeria will take on hosts Morocco in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Saturday, with both nations vying to make history in distinct ways.
The Super Falcons are chasing an unprecedented 10th continental crown – a goal they’ve dubbed “Mission X”. Meanwhile, Morocco hope to become the first North African team to lift the WAFCON trophy, a milestone that would cement their growing influence in women’s football.
Both teams enter the final unbeaten, setting the stage for a compelling tactical battle. Nigeria have been rock-solid throughout the tournament, conceding just once in five matches.
That lone goal came via a penalty in their semi-final thriller against defending champions South Africa, which ended 2-1 after right-back Michelle Alozie’s stoppage-time strike.
“Mission X – that’s what this entire tournament was about,” Alozie told BBC Sport Africa.
“It’s going all the way to the final and winning it. We’re growing as a team, and I think that shows every game.”
Morocco, on the other hand, edged Ghana on penalties (4-2) after a 1-1 draw that stretched into extra time. Coach Jorge Vilda’s second-half adjustments turned the tide after a first-half struggle, with Sakina Ouzraoui grabbing the equalizer.
Despite reaching back-to-back finals on home soil, Morocco’s journey has been anything but smooth.
They’ve had to come from behind in key matches – including against Zambia in the opener and Ghana in the semis – raising questions about their consistency compared to their 2022 campaign, which ended with a loss to South Africa in the final.
For Nigeria, coach Justin Madugu has found an effective formula: a strong defensive core, a commanding midfield, and an attacking trio led by the dynamic Esther Okoronkwo, who has been central to Nigeria’s build-up play.
“We’re born with the zeal to fight and want to win every game,” Okoronkwo said to BBC Sport Africa.
The Falcons showed their ruthless side with a 5-0 demolition of Zambia in the quarter-finals – their most complete performance of the tournament. Impressively, Nigeria have had nine different goal scorers, highlighting their depth.
In goal, Chiamaka Nnadozie, who recently signed for Brighton in England’s WSL, has been a steady force, conceding just once – from the spot.
Morocco’s Khadija Er-Rmichi has looked shaky at times, and captain Ghizlane Chebbak has faded during the knockout rounds despite being joint-top scorer with four goals. Still, forward Ibtissam Jraidi and winger Sanaa Mssoudy remain attacking threats.
The only previous WAFCON clash between the two sides saw Morocco edge Nigeria on penalties in the 2022 semi-finals. Four-time champion Desire Oparanozie believes that loss still stings.
“I’ve seen a Moroccan team that doesn’t give up, even when trailing,” she told BBC Sport Africa.
“They’ve been impressive. But Nigeria is built for moments like this.”
She added, “In 2016, we played Cameroon in the final in front of 40,000 home fans – and still won. That experience counts.”
Nigeria have made no secret of their ambition to reclaim the title last won in 2018. The country’s football federation announced Mission X before the tournament began, and it’s become a rallying cry for the players.
The winner of Saturday’s final will take home $1 million in prize money and the redesigned WAFCON trophy. Victory for Morocco would mark a new era for North African women’s football and reward years of investment. For Nigeria, it would be the reaffirmation of a legacy.
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