Nigeria will lock horns with host nation Morocco in the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Saturday (today), with both sides eyeing history in different ways.
The Super Falcons are aiming for a record-extending 10th title — a mission they’ve dubbed Mission X — while the Atlas Lionesses are looking to become the first North African nation to win the WAFCON trophy.
Both teams enter the final unbeaten. Nigeria have conceded just once in five matches — a penalty in their 2-1 semi-final win over defending champions South Africa, sealed by Michelle Alozie’s injury-time winner.
“Mission X – that’s what this tournament was all 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 booked their place in the final with a 4-2 penalty shootout win over Ghana after a 1-1 draw in extra time. Despite a slow first half, tactical adjustments by coach Jorge Vilda turned the tide, with Sakina Ouzraoui scoring the equaliser.
Unlike Nigeria’s dominant run, Morocco’s path has been less convincing. They came from behind twice against Zambia in the group stage and were trailing at halftime in their semi-final. Their form contrasts with their strong performance in 2022, where they reached the final on home soil but lost to South Africa.
A victory for Morocco would validate the country’s recent heavy investment in women’s football.
Nigeria coach Justin Madugu has struck a strong balance in his squad, with a solid defence, midfield control, and a dangerous attack led by Esther Okoronkwo, whose intelligent link-up play has stood out. Nine different players have scored for Nigeria in the tournament, underlining their depth.
“We’re born with the zeal to fight and want to win every game,” said Okoronkwo.
She helped power the Super Falcons to a commanding 5-0 quarter-final win over Zambia — a performance many view as Nigeria’s best of the tournament.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, now signed with Brighton in England’s Women’s Super League, has been a rock at the back. She has only conceded once — the penalty against South Africa.
For Morocco, goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi has shown signs of vulnerability, and veteran captain Ghizlane Chebbak, despite four goals, has faded in recent matches. However, forward Ibtissam Jraidi remains a consistent threat, while winger Sanaa Mssoudy still poses danger even if not at her best.
The two countries have only met once in WAFCON history — Morocco defeated Nigeria 5-4 on penalties in the 2022 semi-final after a 1-1 draw. That result still stings for many Nigerian players.
“I’ve seen a Moroccan team that doesn’t give up even when they’re behind,” said Nigerian legend Desire Oparanozie. “But Nigeria is built for big moments like this.”
“In 2016, we beat host nation Cameroon in front of 40,000 fans. The crowd didn’t stop us then, and it won’t now.”
Nigeria have made no secret of their ambition to reclaim the crown they last won in 2018. The Mission X campaign has been a consistent rallying cry throughout the tournament.
The champions will walk away with $1 million (£743,000) and the new-look WAFCON trophy. A win for Morocco could shift the balance of power in African women’s football — and heap added pressure on the country’s men’s team ahead of future tournaments.
