Both teams have been undefeated so far. Nigeria’s defense has been impressive, conceding just one goal in five matches on their way to the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, which holds 21,000 fans.
Morocco, who were runners-up in the same stadium in 2022, are hungry for redemption. Winning the trophy for the first time would be a huge reward for the massive investment the country has put into women’s football in recent years.
Picking a clear favorite is tough. Neither team was particularly dominant in the semifinals. Morocco, coached by Spain’s Women’s World Cup winner Jorge Vilda, had to win on penalties against Ghana, while Nigeria, Africa’s top-ranked team, scored a stoppage-time goal to knock out defending champions South Africa.
Confidence is running high in the Nigerian camp though, where the whole tournament has been dubbed “Mission X.” Defender Michelle Alozie told BBC Sport Africa that the goal has been clear from the start — “to go all the way to the final and win it.” She added, “We’re growing as a team and I think that shows every game.”
The winning team will take home $1 million in prize money along with the newly redesigned Wafcon trophy.
Morocco has quickly established themselves as one of Africa’s top women’s teams since their return to the tournament in 2022 after a long absence. However, their recent performances have been less convincing. They trailed twice against Zambia and were behind at halftime against Ghana in the semifinals. Their goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi has had shaky moments, and some key players like captain Ghizlane Chebbak and winger Sanaa Mssoudy have not been as impactful as expected.
Still, Chebbak remains a dangerous player and tournament joint-top scorer with four goals, while striker Ibtissam Jraidi offers a sharp attacking threat. Former Nigerian star Desire Oparanozie praised Morocco’s resilience, saying, “They don’t really give up even when they are trailing. They keep coming at you and that’s really a positive thing.”
Morocco’s choice of Jorge Vilda as coach has stirred controversy due to his past with the Spanish national team, but some believe his presence could be transformative. Algerian journalist Maher Mezahi told BBC, “Morocco will need a coach to make them more than the sum of their parts to win this final. If Vilda gets them to win, it could be worth it for the women’s game in the region, despite the controversies.”
On the other side, Nigeria remains the dominant force in African women’s football. Their federation openly declared “Mission X” to reclaim the title they last won in 2018, and their team has shown a strong mix of physicality, midfield control, and a sharp attack led by Esther Okoronkwo. With nine different goal scorers so far, Nigeria’s strength is clear across the pitch.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who recently signed for Brighton in England’s Women’s Super League, has been rarely tested, conceding only a penalty goal so far. Oparanozie expects the Super Falcons to be extra motivated after their painful semi-final loss to Morocco in 2022, where they ended with two players sent off and lost on penalties.
Despite the final being played in a packed Moroccan stadium, Oparanozie does not think the home crowd will intimidate Nigeria. “Nigeria is used to big moments like this,” she said, recalling how they won the 2016 final against host Cameroon in front of 40,000 fans.
Though the 2024 tournament has seen surprises from lower-ranked teams, the final is exactly what many predicted. If Morocco can overcome a 24-place gap in the FIFA rankings and hand Nigeria their first final loss, they would make history as the first North African team to lift the Wafcon trophy.
A win for Morocco could shift the balance of power in African women’s football and put extra pressure on their men’s team ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which Morocco will also host.
