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The grand stage is set. History beckons. The Super Falcons of Nigeria will clash with hosts Morocco in the final of the 2024 Total Energies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) later today in Casablanca, a heavyweight showdown that promises drama, intensity, and the pursuit of continental glory.
For Nigeria, this is familiar territory. The Falcons are not just Africa’s most decorated women’s football team, they are the standard. With nine WAFCON titles to their name, they now stand just one win away from a record-extending 10th crown. But standing in their way is a Moroccan side roaring with ambition and buoyed by the thunderous support of a home crowd.
The journey to this historic finale has not been smooth, but it has been compelling.
In their semi-final clash on Tuesday, Nigeria edged defending champions South Africa 2-1 in a fiercely contested encounter at Stade Larbi Zaouli. The victory was a statement , a reminder of the Falcons’ pedigree and resilience.
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Captain Rasheedat Ajibade opened the scoring from the penalty spot just before half-time after South Africa’s Bomgeka Gamede was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box. The Banyana Banyana, as determined as ever, responded through Linda Motlhalo’s own spot-kick in the 60th minute after Osinachi Ohale fouled Thembi Kgatlana’s replacement, Hildah Magaia.
But just when the match seemed destined for extra time, up stepped Michelle Alozie.
The right-back better known for her defensive steel delivered an unlikely moment of magic. In the third minute of added time, her long-range ball into the area evaded everyone, including goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, and found the net. Wild celebrations erupted, not just in Casablanca, but across Nigeria, as the Falcons secured passage to their 10th WAFCON final.
Their opponents, Morocco, reached the final after a nerve-racking penalty shootout victory over Ghana. The match had ended 1-1 in regulation time, but the Atlas Lionesses held their nerve to prevail 4-2 on spot-kicks.
The Moroccans, who impressed in their run to the final two years ago when they hosted and lost narrowly to South Africa, are determined to go one better this time.
Nigeria have never lost a WAFCON final since the tournament’s inception in 1998. Their dominance is unmatched, their legacy undisputed. But Saturday’s final presents a different challenge, a highly motivated Moroccan side on home soil with a nation behind them.
For the Super Falcons, the game is not just about a title, it’s about legacy, redemption (after falling short in 2022), and inspiration for the next generation of African women footballers.
Super Falcons captain, Rasheedat Ajibade with defensive leaders like Alozie and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie in top form, and a midfield buzzing with energy and experience, Nigeria’s squad looks focused, hungry, and ready to silence the home crowd.
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As the countdown begins to the tournament’s finale at the iconic Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, all eyes will be on this heavyweight clash between Africa’s established giants and its rising challengers.
The question now is: Can Nigeria write another golden chapter in their legendary WAFCON story? Or will Morocco rise to the occasion and deliver a fairytale finish?
Come Saturday, the continent and indeed the world will have its answer.
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