WAFCON
WAFCON 2024: Nigeria and Morocco Set for Historic Final in Battle of Legacy and Revolution
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
The stage is set for a momentous finale at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) as Nigeria and Morocco prepare to face off in Rabat this weekend.
In what is arguably the most anticipated match of the tournament, this final is more than a contest for continental glory—it is a confrontation between Africa’s reigning queens and the ambitious challengers who now stand on the brink of a generational shift in power.
This is not just a football match. It is a narrative of dominance versus disruption, tradition versus innovation, and endurance versus emergence.
The Rematch Everyone Anticipated
Two years ago in Casablanca, Morocco stunned Nigeria in a dramatic semi-final showdown. The game was fiery, emotional, and decided only by penalties after the Super Falcons had battled with nine players for much of the second half and extra time.
Morocco’s win not only ended Nigeria’s quest for a 10th title in 2022 but also announced the Atlas Lionesses as genuine contenders on the African stage.
Now, with both sides having navigated a challenging tournament field, the final offers a long-awaited sequel.
For Nigeria, it is a chance at redemption; for Morocco, an opportunity to affirm that their 2022 heroics were no fluke.
Nigeria: Seeking to Reinforce the Dynasty
Nigeria’s Super Falcons come into the final with history on their side. With nine WAFCON titles, they are the most successful women’s national team on the continent by some distance.
But while their dominance has been undisputed for decades, recent tournaments have seen their grip loosen, with South Africa winning in 2022 and the gap between Nigeria and the chasing pack steadily narrowing.
This year, however, the Super Falcons have looked rejuvenated. Despite being drawn into a tricky group, they progressed with intent, showing both defensive solidity and attacking flair.
The team’s spine is built around experience— Rasheedat Ajibade and Chiamaka Nnadozie—but also bolstered by a new generation of talents who bring energy and technical versatility.
Their semi-final victory over South Africa was particularly symbolic, avenging their shootout loss to Banyana Banyana in the in the opening group match.
Nigeria’s strength has come from a compact midfield, rapid transitions, and a matured tactical discipline under Justine Madugu.
Morocco: The New Standard Bearers
If Nigeria symbolises legacy, Morocco represents the future. Their rise in the women’s game has been nothing short of meteoric. Backed by strong government investment and the leadership of coach Jorge Silva—a UEFA Women’s Champions League-winning manager—Morocco’s progress has been strategic and systematic.
Their success at the 2022 WAFCON, followed by a historic run to the Round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, has turned them into continental darlings and a source of national pride.
With star players like Ghizlane Chebbak and Ibtissam Jraidi, Morocco blends individual brilliance with tactical structure.
They have benefited immensely from a passionate home crowd and a growing domestic league that feeds talent into the national team.
Their route to the final included gritty wins and disciplined performances. The semi-final against Ghana was a nervy affair, but Morocco’s game management and mental toughness shone through.
A Clash of Philosophies
Sunday’s final will be a fascinating clash of footballing philosophies. Nigeria thrives on explosive pace, vertical passing, and direct attacking. Morocco, in contrast, prefers a patient build-up, positional discipline, and set-piece mastery.
The midfield battle will be crucial. Nigeria’s Ajibade and Deborah Abiodun will have to outwit the Moroccan trio led by the industrious El Chad and the creative Chebbak.
Set pieces could also be a deciding factor, with both teams demonstrating proficiency in aerial duels and dead-ball situations throughout the tournament.
Beyond the Pitch: What’s at Stake
Beyond the trophy, this final symbolises the evolution of African women’s football. Nigeria have carried the torch for decades, winning the inaugural tournament in 1998 and dominating thereafter.
But they now face serious competition from teams like South Africa, Morocco, and Zambia, whose rise reflects a continental shift in investment, professionalism, and grassroots development.
Morocco’s back-to-back final appearances—and their historic qualification for the Women’s World Cup—underscore how national commitment and infrastructure can rapidly alter the competitive landscape.
This final is also a preview of the 2025 FIFA Women’s World Cup terrain. Both teams have qualified, and Sunday’s clash will provide a high-intensity, tournament-grade dress rehearsal.
The Verdict: A Night of History Awaits
Whatever the result, this final will be remembered. If Nigeria win, it will reinforce their place as Africa’s eternal powerhouse. If Morocco triumphs, it will be a watershed moment—a confirmation that the era of one-team dominance is truly over.
The WAFCON 2024 final is not just about lifting a trophy. It is about inspiration, transition, and affirmation. As Nigeria and Morocco walk onto the pitch in Rabat, they carry with them the hopes of generations—past, present, and future.
Africa’s women’s game has never been this competitive, and Sunday will show just how far it has come.
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By Kunle Solaja.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has been postponed, with Africa’s football governing body announcing new dates for the tournament in Morocco.
The Confederation of African Football confirmed that the 2026 edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will now take place from 25 July to 16 August 2026, instead of the earlier scheduled dates of 17 March to 3 April 2026.
Morocco was awarded the hosting rights for the continental showpiece in October 2024, with preparations already underway for what is expected to be one of the biggest editions of the competition. It doubles as the qualification tournament for the Women’s World Cup, as the top four finishers will feature in the global event.
CAF said the decision to move the tournament followed consultations with FIFA and other key stakeholders.
In a statement, CAF explained that the adjustment was made “to ensure the success of this important women’s competition, in the light of certain unforeseen circumstances.”
Although the organisation did not elaborate on the nature of those circumstances, the rescheduling shifts the tournament to the traditional mid-year international football window, which is often more favourable for player availability and logistics.
The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is the continent’s flagship women’s football competition and serves as a crucial platform for the development and visibility of the women’s game in Africa.
Morocco, which successfully hosted the 2022 edition of the tournament, is expected to leverage its modern stadium infrastructure and growing reputation as a major football events destination to deliver another high-profile competition.
CAF expressed confidence that the revised schedule will allow all stakeholders to adequately prepare for the tournament.
“Preparations for the WAFCON 2026 are underway, and all the parties are confident that it will be very successful,” the governing body stated.
The tournament will bring together Africa’s top women’s national teams competing for continental supremacy, with the rescheduling expected to give organisers additional time to ensure optimal preparations for the event.
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The Confederation of African Football has announced that it will issue an official communication within the next 48 hours regarding the situation surrounding the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026.
In a brief message posted on social media, CAF indicated that the matter has been under extensive discussion in recent weeks and is currently receiving urgent attention at the highest levels of the organisation.
“CAF will communicate within the next 48 hours on the situation regarding the #TotalEnergiesWAFCON26. There have been several discussions over the past weeks. The matter is receiving urgent and high-level attention,” the confederation stated.
Although CAF did not provide specific details about the issue under review, the statement suggests that senior officials within the continental governing body are working toward a resolution.
The development has sparked anticipation across the African football community, particularly among national teams preparing for the women’s continental championship.
The Confederation of African Football is expected to clarify the circumstances and outline the next steps for the tournament when it releases its official update within the stipulated timeframe.
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Reigning African champions Nigeria produced a commanding response, defeating Cameroon 3–1 on Tuesday in the second of their pre-WAFCON international friendlies in Yaounde.
Three days after suffering a narrow 1–0 loss at the Military Stadium, the Super Falcons returned to the same venue. They delivered a far more assured performance, underlining their pedigree as perennial continental powerhouses.
Head Coach Justin Madugu rang the changes, making seven alterations to the starting line-up that featured in Saturday’s defeat. However, it was Cameroon who struck first again, netting in the seventh minute to momentarily raise concerns of a repeat setback.
Nigeria responded with composure and growing authority.
Forward Chinwendu Ihezuo restored parity in the 32nd minute, rising above her marker to power home a header from a well-delivered cross by Rinsola Babajide. The equaliser settled the Falcons, who began to dictate tempo and press with greater coordination.
Just before the break, the comeback was completed. After a scramble inside the Cameroonian box, Babajide reacted quickest to fire home in the 43rd minute, turning provider into scorer to give Nigeria a 2–1 lead at halftime.
Madugu’s reshaped midfield proved decisive, pressing higher up the pitch, shutting down central channels and forcing the Lionesses into speculative long balls.
The Falcons extended their advantage in the 64th minute. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, influential down the right flank, delivered a teasing cross into the penalty area. Michelle Alozie attacked the ball with conviction, launching into a flying header that made it 3–1 and effectively sealed the contest.
Both sides treated the two-match series as crucial preparation for the 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to take place in Morocco from March 17 to April 3.
For Nigeria, the emphatic victory not only avenged Saturday’s defeat but also reaffirmed their status as Africa’s benchmark in women’s football heading into the continental showpiece.
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