Nigeria will battle hosts Morocco in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Saturday (today), with both sides seeking to make history in different ways.
The West Africans are chasing a record-extending 10th continental title – dubbed ‘Mission X’ – whilst the North Africans aim to become the first side from their region to lift the WAFCON trophy. The clash represents a fascinating tactical battle between two unbeaten sides who have taken contrasting paths to the final.
Both teams arrive at the 21,000-capacity venue unbeaten, with Nigeria having conceded just one goal in five matches during their journey to the final.
The Super Falcons’ solitary blemish came from the penalty spot in their dramatic 2-1 semi-final victory over defending champions South Africa, where right-back Michelle Alozie struck the decisive goal deep into 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, meanwhile, secured their final berth with a 4-2 penalty shootout triumph over Ghana after a 1-1 draw through 120 minutes.
The Atlas Lionesses looked troubled in a Ghana-dominated first half before coach Jorge Vilda’s tactical adjustments saw them control proceedings from the second half onwards, with Sakina Ouzraoui netting the equaliser.
The tournament has been far from straightforward for Morocco, who fell behind twice against Zambia in their opening game and trailed Ghana at half-time in the semi-final. Their performances have not been as convincing as during the 2022 edition, when they reached the final, also on home soil, only to lose to South Africa.
Should the Atlas Lionesses lift the trophy for the first time, it would offer some return on the vast investment the kingdom has poured into the women’s game in recent years.
Nigeria coach Justin Madugu has found balance in his side, which has displayed physicality at the back, dominance in midfield and a potent front three spearheaded by Esther Okoronkwo’s intelligent build-up play.
The Super Falcons’ threat across the pitch is underlined by having nine different goal scorers during the tournament, showcasing 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