Nigeria are just one win away from claiming their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title, but host nation Morocco stand between them and that achievement — www.isagoal.com reports.
The final will be held this Saturday at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, with coverage available through BBC World Service radio and BBC iPlayer, as confirmed by BBC Sport.
Neither Morocco nor Nigeria has suffered a defeat so far in the tournament, though both faced nervy semi-finals — Morocco edged Ghana on penalties while Nigeria knocked out South Africa with a last-gasp winner.
The stakes are high for the Super Falcons, who have branded their title pursuit as “Mission X”, with Michelle Alozie explaining, “It’s about getting to the final and finishing strong.”
Morocco are aiming to lift the trophy for the first time, just two years after losing the 2022 final at home; their federation has heavily backed the women’s program since.
Despite reaching the final, Morocco’s performances haven’t been entirely convincing, with goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi and key player Ghizlane Chebbak struggling for consistency.
Still, Desire Oparanozie said, “I’ve seen a Moroccan team that doesn’t give up even when they’re down. That’s impressive.”
Spain’s 2023 World Cup-winning coach Jorge Vilda, now managing Morocco, brings experience but controversy following his exit from the Spain squad amid misconduct fallout involving Luis Rubiales.
His role continues to divide opinion, but journalist Maher Mezahi noted, “If Vilda wins WAFCON, some believe it will boost women’s football in Morocco — despite the baggage.”
On the Nigerian side, Justin Madugu’s squad has blended physical defense with smart attacking play — nine players have scored, with Esther Okoronkwo driving the forward line.
Okoronkwo said, “We’re born with the zeal to fight and win every game.”
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, recently signed to Brighton in the Women’s Super League, has been largely unchallenged, conceding just once from the penalty spot.
The Super Falcons are also eyeing payback after their 2022 semi-final loss to Morocco, where they were reduced to nine players and fell in a penalty shootout.
As for the stadium atmosphere, a packed crowd is expected, but Oparanozie believes Nigeria won’t be fazed: “In 2016 we beat Cameroon in front of 40,000. We’ve done it before.”
This WAFCON, delayed from 2023, has delivered plenty of surprises — but the final pits two expected contenders in a battle that could shift momentum in African women’s football.
If Morocco close the 24-place FIFA ranking gap and defeat Nigeria, they would not only make history but also place fresh expectations on their men’s team ahead of AFCON 2025.