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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African women’s national teams are stepping up preparations for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026, with a packed April FIFA international window offering a crucial opportunity to assess strengths and refine tactics.
With the continental tournament just months away, teams across Africa are engaging in a mix of regional friendlies and intercontinental fixtures as part of the FIFA Series, aiming to build momentum and test combinations.
Clearly stated ambitions
From 10 April, Botswana will get proceedings underway against Saudi Arabia.
The following day, Tunisia face Benin in a fixture that should offer the Carthage Eagles an opportunity to explore new attacking options against an opponent known for their defensive discipline.
A day later, Morocco host Tanzania in one of the standout fixtures of the window. The Atlas Lionesses, who have enjoyed an impressive run in recent years, face a Tanzanian side eager to continue its upward trajectory.
On 14 April, attention turns to a series of high-profile encounters. South Africa meet Algeria in a clash of contrasting styles, with Banyana Banyana’s intensity and pace set against Algeria’s structured and technical approach.
Elsewhere, Egypt take on Saudi Arabia in a match that offers both sides a chance to strengthen their credentials on the international stage, while Benin face Comoros in what promises to be an open and competitive contest.
Adjustments and confirmations expected
The fixtures continue on 16 April, when Tunisia meet Comoros in another test of their readiness against an improving opponent.
On 17 April, South Africa and Algeria renew their rivalry in a second encounter, providing both teams with an opportunity to adapt tactically. Morocco also face Ghana in a high-profile meeting between two of the continent’s most competitive sides.
The series concludes on 19 April with a second meeting between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, offering further insights into both teams’ progress
FIFA Series: a global revealer
Beyond African match-ups, the FIFA Series 2026 has expanded the scope of preparations by pitting African teams against global opposition.
Ivory Coast set the tone with an emphatic 8-0 victory over Mauritania on 9 April, underlining their attacking strength.
On 11 April, Kenya host a mini-tournament in Nairobi featuring Australia, Malawi and India, while Zambia face a stern test against Canada in Brazil.
The following day sees DR Congo take on Indonesia in Thailand, while Mauritania face Pakistan and Ivory Coast meet Turks and Caicos in Abidjan.
Zambia continue their demanding schedule with matches against Brazil on 15 April and South Korea on 18 April, providing valuable experience against top-tier opposition.
A crucial testing ground
The April window represents a key phase in preparations, allowing coaches to experiment, assess squad depth and fine-tune strategies ahead of WAFCON 2026.
With competitive fixtures across continents, African teams are gaining vital exposure and experience — all with the aim of peaking when the continent’s biggest women’s football tournament begins later this year.
Friendly matches in April 2026:
April 10
Saudi Arabia 1–1 Botswana
Scorers: Seba Tawfiq (90+7) / Laone Moloi (28’)
April 12
Tunisia 1-0 Benin
Scorer : M. Houij (90′)
April 13
Senegal 1-0 Burkina Faso
Scorer : S. Ngaye Pene (2′)
Morocco 3-0 Tanzania
Scorers : S.Mssoudy (2′, 77′), Y.Mrabet (80′)
April 14
South Africa vs Algeria
Saudi Arabia vs Egypt
Benin vs Comoros
April 16
Tunisia vs Comoros
April 17
South Africa vs Algeria
Morocco vs Mali
April 19
Saudi Arabia vs Egypt
FIFA Series 2026:
April 9, 2026
Ivory Coast 8-0 Mauritania – Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Ebimpe
April 11, 2026
Australia 5-0 Malawi – Nairobi
Scorers : E. van Egmond (5″), S. Kerr (41″), A. Chidiac (60″), H. McNamara (86″), L. McKenna (90+4)
Kenya 2-0 India – Nairobi
Scorers: M. Emedot (2′) T. Obunya (55′)
Canada 4-0 Zambia – Brazil
Scorers :N. Prince (41′, 45+1), A. Chukwu (81′, 88′)
April 12, 2026
Indonesia 1-7 DR Congo – Thailand
Scorers: C. Scheunemann (7′) / M. Kajinga (23′, 59′), F. Mawete (29′, 74′), M. Kasaj (45+6) O. Massombo (52′), J. Feza (82′)
Mauritania 1-0 Pakistan – Abidjan
Scorer : R. Gengui (21′)
Turks and Caicos 1-15 Ivory Coast – Abidjan
Scorers : I. Moline (28′)/ A.Diallo (6′ 10′ 23′ 42′),P. Kreto (12′ 22′ 27′ 47′ 52′), R. Kouassi (32′), S.Kokora (45′), A. Koko (45+1), I. Konan (78′ 83′), A. Abrogoua (90+3)
April 15, 2026
Brazil vs Zambia – Brazil
India vs Malawi – Kenya (Third-place match – FIFA Series 2026 Kenya)
Kenya vs Australia – Kenya (Final – FIFA Series 2026 Kenya)
Thailand vs DR Congo –Thailand (Final – FIFA Series 2026 Thailand),
April 16, 2026
Ivory Coast vs Pakistan – Abidjan
Turks and Caicos vs Mauritania – Abidjan
April 18, 2026
South Korea vs Zambia – Brazil
-Cafonline
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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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