Nigeria’s Super Falcons are gearing up for a thrilling WAFCON 2024 final clash against host nation Morocco on Saturday, July 27, at 9PM (WAT), in Rabat’s Stade Olympique.
Newsonspot reports that the highly anticipated showdown marks a rematch of their dramatic 2022 semi-final encounter, which saw Nigeria bow out on penalties after finishing the game with nine players. This time, the Falcons are on a mission – dubbed “Mission X” – to reclaim their dominance and secure a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title.
Nigeria booked their spot in the final after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over South Africa. Rasheedat Ajibade gave the Falcons the lead from the penalty spot just before halftime. South Africa’s Linda Motlhalo equalised with a penalty in the 60th minute, but in dramatic fashion, Michelle Alozie’s long ball deep into stoppage time caught everyone – including the goalkeeper – off guard, sealing the win for Nigeria.
In the other semi-final, Morocco and Ghana played out a tense 1-1 draw after extra time. Goals from Stella Nyamekye (Ghana) and Sakina Ouzraoui Diki (Morocco) pushed the match into penalties, where the Atlas Lionesses emerged victorious 4-2, securing their second straight final appearance.
Morocco, still chasing their first-ever WAFCON title, will be backed by a passionate home crowd. Nigeria, meanwhile, will be out for revenge and glory, hoping to erase the memory of their 2022 exit and stamp their authority once more on African women’s football.
The 2024 tournament was originally set for last year but was postponed to avoid overlapping with the women’s football event at the Paris Olympic Games. Morocco is also scheduled to host the next WAFCON in 2026.
