All eyes will be on the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Saturday (today) July 26, as Nigeria’s Super Falcons lock horns with hosts Morocco in the highly anticipated final of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The clash promises high drama and elite football, with Nigeria chasing a record 10th continental crown and Morocco aiming to lift their first-ever WAFCON trophy on home soil.
Nigeria: Chasing Glory with Grit and Steel
For the nine-time champions, this tournament has been a statement of dominance, discipline, and determination. Not only are the Super Falcons unbeaten, but they’ve also yet to concede a single goal, a testament to their rock-solid defence and cohesive team play under head coach Justine Madugu.
After a measured start in the group stage, the Falcons roared into top gear, thrashing Zambia 5–0 in the quarterfinals before grinding out a 2–1 semifinal victory over defending champions South Africa.
The trio of Rasheedat Ajibade, Chinwendu Ihezuo, and Michelle Alozie have been central to Nigeria’s attacking spark, while goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and defenders Osinachi Ohale and Ashleigh Plumptre have been unbreakable at the back.
Madugu’s system, a fluid 4-2-3-1 that shifts seamlessly into a 4-3-3, has balanced structure with flair.
Midfield anchors Deborah Abiodun and Christy Ucheibe provide a solid foundation that frees the forward trio of Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala, and Rinsola Babajide to push forward aggressively.
Projected XI: Nnadozie; Alozie, Ohale, Plumptre, Demehin; Ucheibe, Abiodun; Ajibade, Oshoala, Babajide; Ihezuo.
Morocco: The Dream of a Nation
With a wave of home support behind them and the tactical expertise of World Cup-winning coach Jorge Vilda, Morocco have turned heads throughout the competition.
After emerging top of Group A, the Atlas Lionesses dispatched Mali 3–1 before surviving a nerve-wracking semifinal shootout against Ghana.
Captain Ghizlane Chebbak leads the golden boot race with four goals and remains the creative heartbeat of the side. Ibtissam Jraidi and Sakina Ouzraoui provide extra bite in attack, while Vilda’s philosophy, rooted in high possession and positional play, has shaped a team that thrives on quick transitions and wide play.
However, Morocco’s backline has looked shaky at times, conceding four goals in five games, something Nigeria will hope to exploit.
Expected Lineup: Er-Rmichi; Redouani, El Haj, Mrabet, Amani; Badri, Nakkach; Ouzraoui, Chebbak, Tagnaout; Jraidi.
History, Heart, and Redemption
Nigeria have won every WAFCON final they’ve reached, a perfect nine from nine.
Morocco, meanwhile, are on a mission to erase the heartbreak of their 2022 final loss to South Africa. That same tournament saw the Lionesses knock Nigeria out on penalties in the semifinals, a memory still fresh in both camps.
While history favours the Falcons, Morocco’s home advantage and youthful hunger make them formidable challengers.
Key Duels That Could Define the Final
Ajibade vs Redouani: Expect fireworks as Nigeria’s pacey skipper tests the Moroccan right-back’s resolve.
Chebbak vs Ucheibe: A battle of brains and brawn as the creative spark of Morocco clashes with Nigeria’s midfield enforcer.
Set-Piece Specialists: Watch for decisive moments from dead balls, Ohale and Demehin for Nigeria, Chebbak and El Haj for Morocco.
Final Verdict: Clash of Experience vs Aspiration
Nigeria head into the final as slight favourites, with their tournament experience and defensive perfection tipping the scale.
But Morocco’s attacking flair and home support could make this a night of historic celebration, or heartbreak.
Expect a tactical chess match with flashes of brilliance and a potential photo-finish ending. Either way, WAFCON 2025 is set for a blockbuster conclusion.
Kick-off is set for 8:00 p.m.
