The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final is set to be a thrilling encounter as Nigeria’s Super Falcons takes on host nation Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat today.
Both teams are striving to make history, but in different ways. Nigeria is chasing its record 10th title under ‘Mission X’, while Morocco is gunning to be the first North African team to claim the trophy.
The match will feature two undefeated teams with contrasting approaches, making for a compelling tactical battle.
Both teams have impressive records, with Nigeria conceding just one goal in five matches.
The Nigerian team, led by Justin Madugu, has clearly been the most impressive.
The team’s group stage performances featured a 3-0 thrashing of Tunisia and a 0-0 draw with Algeria, leading to an apology from Coach Madugu, then a 5-0 demolition of Zambia in the quarter-finals, before eliminating defending champions South Africa 2-1 in the semis.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade has consistently excelled, securing three consecutive Man of the Match awards, including against Bayana Bayana.
The Super Falcons’ sole setback occurred from a penalty spot in their thrilling 2-1 semi-final win over defending champions South Africa, where right-back Michelle Alozie scored the decisive goal in injury time.
“Mission X – that’s what this entire tournament was about,” defender 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 claimed their final spot with a 4-2 victory in the penalty shootout against Ghana, following a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes.
The Atlas Lionesses struggled in the first half, dominated by Ghana, but coach Jorge Vilda’s tactical changes enabled them to take control in the second half, with Sakina Ouzraoui scoring the equalizer.
Morocco’s journey in the tournament has been challenging, having trailed twice against Zambia in their opening game and Ghana at halftime in the semi-final.
Their performances have not been as convincing as in the 2022 edition, where they reached the final on home soil but lost to South Africa.
Should the Atlas Lionesses emerge victorious and lift the trophy for the first time, it would represent a notable payoff from the kingdom’s considerable outlay on women’s football development in recent years.
Coach Justin Madugu has successfully blended defensive resilience, midfield prowess, and attacking flair in his Nigerian side, with Esther Okoronkwo’s intelligent link-up play proving pivotal.
The Super Falcons’ prowess on the pitch is highlighted by the nine distinct goal scorers in the tournament, demonstrating their depth and versatility.
“We’re born with the zeal to fight and want to win every game,” forward Okoronkwo told BBC Sport Africa.
The continent’s top-ranked side delivered their most complete team performance of WAFCON 2024 when Okoronkwo helped the Super Falcons to a 5-0 quarter-final demolition of Zambia, demonstrating the quality that has made them the dominant force in African women’s football for decades.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who has signed for Women’s Super League side Brighton, has rarely been tested throughout the tournament, with the penalty against South Africa being the only time she has been beaten. Her commanding presence between the posts has been crucial to Nigeria’s defensive solidity.
For Morocco, goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi has looked shaky on several occasions, whilst 34-year-old captain Ghizlane Chebbak has faded in the knockout stage despite being the top scorer with four goals. However, striker Ibtissam Jraidi provides a cutting edge up front, and winger Sanaa Mssoudy, despite not displaying the level of trickery that saw her named best player at last year’s Women’s African Champions League, remains a threat.
The countries have met just once before in WAFCON history – the Atlas Lionesses defeated the Super Falcons 5-4 on penalties in the 2022 semi-finals after a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes. Four-time WAFCON winner with Nigeria, Desire Oparanozie, believes the Super Falcons will be out for “revenge” after that semi-final exit.
“I’ve seen a Moroccan team that doesn’t really give up even when they are trailing,” Oparanozie told BBC Sport Africa. “They’ve been very impressive. They keep coming at you, and that’s really a positive thing.”
However, she does not anticipate that the overwhelming home support will affect her compatriots.
“Nigeria is known for big moments like this,” the 31-year-old said.
“In 2016, we played against the host nation Cameroon (in the final). The stadium was filled to 40,000 capacity, and that didn’t stop Nigeria from winning.”
Nigeria have long been the dominant force in African women’s football, having not been shy in expressing their intentions of reclaiming the title they last won in 2018. The country’s football federation announced Mission X before the finals, and it has been a hot topic during media engagements with players.
The winners will collect $1m (£743,000) in prize money as well as the new-look WAFCON trophy. Victory for Morocco could potentially tilt the balance of power in African women’s football, whilst also putting pressure on the country’s men ahead.
