The grand finale of the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2024) is upon us, and the storyline could not be more tantalising.

Host nation Morocco, chasing their first-ever continental crown, take on Nigeria, the dominant force in African women's football, eyeing a record-extending 10th title.

On Saturday, July 26, the Olympic Stadium in Rabat will erupt with passion, noise, and history as two of the tournament’s most compelling teams clash.

Nigeria, undefeated in all nine WAFCON finals they have played, are desperate to reclaim the title last won in 2018. Morocco, meanwhile, buoyed by a fiercely supportive home crowd, seek to rewrite history in front of their own.

How they reached WAFCON 2024 final

Nigeria

The Super Falcons began their WAFCON 2024 journey in Group B, finishing top with seven points after victories over Tunisia (3-0) and Botswana (1-0), followed by a goalless draw with Algeria.

Their unbeaten run extended into the knockout stages with a 5-0 thrashing of Zambia in the quarter-finals.

But it was their 2-1 semi-final victory over defending champions South Africa that truly captured attention.

The match, won via a dramatic stoppage-time goal by Michelle Alozie, proved that Nigeria’s mix of experience, grit, and talent remains unrivalled in Africa.

Morocco

Morocco’s path to the final has been equally cinematic.

They started the group stage with a dramatic 2-2 draw against Zambia, then powered past DR Congo (4-2) thanks to a hat-trick from captain Ghizlane Chebbak.

A narrow 1-0 win over Senegal, the only game they have kept a clean sheet, secured top spot in Group A.

Their 3-1 win over Mali in the quarter-finals was followed by a tense 1-1 semi-final draw with Ghana, which they won 4-2 on penalties, with goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi playing a starring role.

The Atlas Lionesses, despite conceding in nearly all their matches, have shown resilience and attacking verve throughout the competition.

Head-to-head

This final marks the fourth WAFCON meeting between the two nations.

Historically, Nigeria have dominated this fixture — winning 8-0 in 1998 and 6-0 in 2000. However, their most recent clash at WAFCON 2022 was a turning point.

MOROCCO VS NIGERIA IN 2022:

◽Stadium filled up with Home Fans
◽Nigeria awarded red card
◽Potential Moroccan red card ignored
◽Nigerian awarded 2nd red
◽Moroccans pointing lasers on Nigerian players
◽Morocco win 5-4 on penalties

This Saturday. Same Opponent. Same Host 🍿 pic.twitter.com/S06IzWqo83

— Mr. Nigerian Football (@AJSilverCFC) July 24, 2025

Then, Morocco capitalised on Nigeria’s two red cards to force a 1-1 draw before winning 5-4 on penalties in the semi-finals.

Saturday’s clash offers the Moroccans a chance to even the head-to-head score, while Nigeria will be itching for redemption.

Team news

Morocco

Head coach Jorge Vilda has created a dynamic, attacking outfit, underpinned by the creativity of Ghizlane Chebbak and Ibtissam Jraïdi, who have combined for seven goals.

However, their attacking focus has left them exposed defensively. Morocco have conceded six goals in five matches and have managed to keep just a clean sheet — an issue that Nigeria will look to exploit.

The defensive quartet remains unchanged, but pressure will be on midfielders to track Nigeria’s fluid movement and protect the back line.

Nigeria

Nigeria’s strength lies in their balance and discipline.

Coach Justin Madugu has built a unit that defends with structure and attacks with purpose. The back four of Alozie, Osinachi Ohale, Tosin Demehin, and Ashleigh Plumptre has conceded just one goal — a penalty — all tournament.

In midfield, the tireless Halimatu Ayinde and captain Rasheedat Ajibade have shone. Up front, goals have come from eight different players, making Nigeria the most unpredictable side in the final third.

Key players to watch

Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria)

The heartbeat of the Super Falcons. The 25-year-old captain and former Atlético Madrid winger has led with both voice and actions, winning three Woman of the Match awards and delivering in key moments. She embodies Nigeria’s hunger and winning tradition.

Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco)

At 34, the Moroccan skipper is still the heartbeat of her team. Chebbak is the tournament's top scorer with four goals, including a vital late equaliser against Zambia and a historic hat-trick against DR Congo. She is clever with her movement, positioning and intelligence in front of goal and will cause Nigeria loads of problems.

Possible lineups

Nigeria (4-3-3): Nnadozie; Alozie, Ohale, Demehin, Plumptre; Ayinde, Echegini, Ajibade; Ijamilusi, Okoronkwo, Ihezuo

Morocco (4-1-4-1): Er-Rmichi; Aït El Haj, Brnzina, Rabbah, Redouani; Mrabet; Ouzraoui, Nakkach, Chebbak, Mssoudy; Jraïdi

What they’re saying
Jorge Vilda (Morocco head coach):

“We worked hard to make it to the final. I am thinking about the Nigerian team that we will be playing in the final.”

Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria captain):

“It's emotional, a very emotional thing for me. It's not easy to lead this incredible team to the final of the WAFCON. The last time we won was 2018, and we have had a collective goal and mission to get to the final again this year. We just have one match to go and for sure, we'll give our best.”

Match details

-Fixture: Nigeria vs Morocco
-Tournament: 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Final)
-Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025
-Time: 8:00pm Nigerian Time (GMT+1)
-Venue: Olympic Stadium, Rabat, Morocco

Prediction

This final has all the ingredients of a classic.

Morocco’s attacking verve, home support and emotional momentum make them formidable.

However, Nigeria’s tournament pedigree, defensive solidity, and depth of experience should give them the edge.

The Super Falcons’ experience in navigating high-pressure finals and their airtight defensive shape could prove decisive against a Moroccan side that has shown vulnerability at the back.