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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Nigeria’s Super Falcons, the most successful team in the history of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), have taken another giant step toward a record-extending 10th title after a dramatic 2-1 victory over South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in a pulsating semi-final clash at the Labri Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.

The intense encounter lived up to its billing as a heavyweight showdown between two of the continent’s fiercest rivals.  In beating South Africa, the Nigerian side ended the Banyana Banyana’s unbeaten 15-match run in WAFCON.

Rasheedat Ajibade gave Nigeria the lead on the stroke of halftime with a penalty kick goal in the 45th minute.

South Africa, defending champions and determined to retain their crown, responded with renewed vigour in the second half.

Their persistence paid off in the 60th minute when Linda Motlhalo calmly converted an equaliser, from the penalty spot, silencing the Nigerian supporters momentarily. It was the first and only time that the Nigerian side conceded a goal in the tournament.

With the match seemingly headed for extra time, Nigerian defender Michelle Alozie turned hero in the fourth minute of the added six minutes.

Her late strike, coming deep into stoppage time, shattered South African hearts and sent the Super Falcons into wild celebrations.

Alozie’s goal sealed Nigeria’s place in the final and extinguished the hopes of Banyana Banyana, whose goalkeeper Andile Dlamini had earlier made several crucial saves to keep her side in contention.

The Super Falcons’ victory reinforces their dominance in the continental competition, where they have claimed nine titles in the previous 12 editions.

 The result also marks a sweet revenge for Nigeria, who were eliminated by South Africa in the semi-final of the last tournament in 2022.

Nigeria now awaits the winner of the second semi-final between host nation Morocco and the Black Queens of Ghana to determine their opponent in the final.

With their eyes firmly set on a 10th continental crown, the Super Falcons continue to assert their pedigree as Africa’s undisputed queens of women’s football.

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

Super Falcons forward and Nigerian football icon, Asisat Oshoala, has debunked reports claiming she is set to retire from international football after the ongoing 2024/25 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year denied ever making such a statement, distancing herself from a viral Facebook post attributed to her.

Clarifying the matter, a member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and women’s football stakeholder, Aisha Falode, disclosed that the Facebook page which published the retirement statement was not operated by Oshoala but by an impersonator.

“The Facebook account is cloned,” Falode explained. “Asisat has denied ownership of that page and stated clearly that she never authored the post suggesting she would quit international football after the WAFCON.”

The controversial post had made rounds on social media over the weekend, claiming the 30-year-old striker would bow out after the tournament to “start a new chapter” and “pave the way for younger players.”

The message, which praised Oshoala’s legacy and career achievements, stirred a wave of reactions among fans, journalists, and fellow athletes.

However, Falode urged the public and media outlets to be cautious and verify sources before spreading such sensitive news, especially concerning national icons like Oshoala.

“It’s unfortunate that someone would attempt to mislead the public using Asisat’s identity. We advise everyone to rely on verified platforms and accounts,” she added.

Oshoala, who currently plays for Bay FC in the United States’ National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), is one of Nigeria’s most celebrated female footballers.

She has represented the country at multiple FIFA Women’s World Cups and Olympic Games, and her leadership remains vital as the Super Falcons continue their WAFCON 2024/25 campaign.

The NFF is reportedly looking into the impersonation incident and may engage relevant authorities to address the growing concern of social media identity theft among athletes.

As of press time, the real Asisat Oshoala had not issued a personal statement on the matter, but close associates affirm she remains focused on helping Nigeria reclaim the continental title in Morocco.

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