SPORTS

ROAD TO WAFCON 2024 FINAL: NIGERIA CHASE 10TH TITLE, MOROCCO HUNT HISTORY
The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), being held in 2025, as record champions Nigeria take on host nation Morocco in tonight’s much-anticipated final at the Stade Olympique in Rabat.
The Super Falcons, chasing a historic 10th WAFCON title, booked their place in the final with a dramatic 2-1 win over defending champions South Africa. Meanwhile, Morocco punched their ticket with a hard-fought penalty shootout victory over Ghana, following a 1-1 draw that went into extra time.
This matchup also rekindles memories of their intense 2022 semi-final clash, where Morocco stunned Nigeria in a penalty shootout after the Super Falcons were reduced to nine players. Tonight, both sides return to the spotlight, driven by history and high stakes.
Nigeria’s Legacy Meets Morocco’s Rising Power
Nigeria arrive with an unmatched pedigree: nine WAFCON titles, nine FIFA Women’s World Cup appearances, and four Olympic Games campaigns. Remarkably, they’ve never lost in a WAFCON final.
Under head coach Justine Madugu, Nigeria have shown tactical discipline and attacking variety, conceding just once in five games. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade has led by example, delivering key goals and orchestrating play. Even without star striker Asisat Oshoala seeing major minutes, the Super Falcons have found goals from eight different players.
Morocco’s Home Advantage and Historic Push
For Morocco, this is only their second-ever WAFCON final—and a golden opportunity to claim a first continental title. Head coach Jorge Vilda has built a team that blends flair with resilience, scoring 11 goals—joint-highest in the tournament.
The midfield pairing of Ghizlane Chebbak and Yasmin Mrabet has driven Morocco’s charge. But with six goals conceded, their defense will need to be airtight tonight against a potent Nigerian attack.
With the home crowd roaring them on in Rabat, Morocco will aim to rewrite the narrative and lift the trophy on home soil.
Players to Watch
Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria): Captain and midfield anchor, critical in both creation and finishing.
Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco): Leader and goal threat; pivotal to Morocco’s attacking rhythm.
Esther Okoronkwo (Nigeria): Lethal in front of goal, always looking to strike.
Yasmin Mrabet (Morocco): Technically gifted and powerful, a threat from range.
Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria): Experienced game-changer who can make an impact off the bench.
Head-to-Head History
This will be the fourth WAFCON meeting between Nigeria and Morocco:
1998: Nigeria 8-0 Morocco
2000: Nigeria 6-0 Morocco
2022: Morocco 1-1 Nigeria (Morocco won on penalties)
Nigeria lead the series 2-1, but Morocco will be determined to level the score and make history.
Road to the Final
Nigeria
Group Stage: Tunisia (2-0), Botswana (1-0), Algeria (0-0)
Quarter-final: Zambia (5-0)
Semi-final: South Africa (2-1)
Morocco
Group Stage: Zambia (2-2), DR Congo (4-2), Senegal (1-0)
Quarter-final: Mali (3-1)
Semi-final: Ghana (1-1, won on penalties)
Match Details – How to Watch
🗓 Final: Saturday, 26 July 2025
🏟 Venue: Stade Olympique, Rabat
🕗 Kick-off: 20:00 GMT | 21:00 WAT | 22:00 local time
📺 Where to Watch:
SuperSport (DStv): Live across Sub-Saharan Africa
New World TV: French-language coverage in West/Central Africa
SNRT (Al Aoula & Arryadia): Live broadcast in Morocco
CAF TV (YouTube): Global highlights and select streaming
FIFA+: Regional streaming available
Broadcaster Apps: SuperSport & SNRT apps for verified users
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