The TotalEnergies WAFCON 2024 has reached its climax, with hosts Morocco set to face nine-time record champions Nigeria on Saturday, July 26, at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.
This encounter will mark the fourth meeting between the two sides at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, with Morocco winning their last contest via a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in the semi-finals of the 2022 edition, also held in Rabat.
When Morocco initiated their Women’s Football Strategy five years ago, clinching major trophies was part of the blueprint. Now, the Atlas Lionesses are standing toe-to-toe with Africa’s elite, a testament to the strides they’ve made.
Prior to their breakout performance in 2022, Morocco had only featured twice at WAFCON—in 1998 and 2000—managing just one win and one draw, while conceding 22 goals.
In 2022, buoyed by home support, they made a historic run to the final, losing narrowly to South Africa. In 2024, they are back, stronger and more determined.
Backed by a loyal fan base that has consistently filled the Olympic Stadium, Morocco will be banking on the leadership of captain Ghizlane Chebbak, as well as the individual brilliance of Fatima Tagnaout, Sanaa Mssoudy, Ibtissam Jraidi, and Sakina Ouzraoui.
The team’s WAFCON 2024 campaign has been a fairytale. They rallied from behind twice to draw 2-2 with Zambia in their opening game, cruised past DR Congo 4-2 with Chebbak scoring a hat-trick, and edged Senegal 1-0 to top Group A.
In the quarter-finals, they brushed aside Mali 3-1 before surviving a stern test against Ghana in the semi-finals, eventually progressing on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Morocco have scored 11 goals but have conceded in every match—six in total—with goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi yet to keep a clean sheet. Still, their consistency and resilience have solidified their place among the continent’s top sides.
On the other side, Nigeria’s highly anticipated “Mission X” has gained traction among fans and players alike. The Super Falcons have shown class and consistency throughout the tournament, underlining their status as the team to beat.
They topped Group B with seven points, beating Tunisia 3-0, Botswana 1-0, and drawing goalless with Algeria—before dismantling Zambia 5-0 in the quarter-finals.
In the semi-final, they edged out defending champions South Africa 1-0 in a closely contested encounter.
Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade has been central to Nigeria’s push for a 10th title.
The 25-year-old has bagged three Woman of the Match awards, more than any other player in the tournament. She previously won the title in 2018 and is leading from the front in Morocco.
Nigeria will also count on the experience of Chiamaka Nnadozie, voted Africa’s best goalkeeper in 2023 who has conceded just one goal (a penalty against South Africa).
Rising stars like Esther Okoronkwo, who has provided four assists, have also added firepower to an already stacked squad.
The Super Falcons have never lost a WAFCON final, winning all nine of their previous appearances. As they face Morocco on Saturday, history, dominance, and legacy will be on the line in what promises to be a thrilling finale.