Nigeria’s women’s national football team, the Super Falcons, are poised to make history as they face Morocco in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Rabat on Saturday. A victory would secure their unprecedented 10th continental title, cementing their status as Africa’s most successful women’s football nation.
Under head coach Justin Madugu, the team has displayed a blend of resilience and dominance throughout the tournament. After a commanding 3-0 win over Tunisia and a goalless draw with Algeria in the group stage—a result that prompted Madugu to publicly apologize for the team’s performance—the Falcons rebounded emphatically. A 5-0 quarter-final demolition of Zambia showcased their attacking prowess, followed by a hard-fought 2-1 semi-final victory against reigning champions South Africa, highlighting their ability to deliver under pressure.
Sports journalist Biola Solace-Chukwu, who has tracked the team’s progress in Morocco, observed a steady evolution in their form. “The Super Falcons grew with each match,” she told Media Talk Africa. “Even in the Algeria game, where they didn’t score, there were clear improvements. The quarter-final against Zambia demonstrated their potential, while the semi-final with South Africa was as tough as anticipated.”
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade has been instrumental in Nigeria’s campaign, earning three consecutive Player of the Match awards, including one in the semi-final against South Africa. Yet Solace-Chukwu singled out defender Ashleigh Plumptre as a standout. “Plumptre has been my personal Player of the Match in every game so far,” she said, underscoring the Leicester City player’s consistency and defensive composure.
The final pits Nigeria against a Moroccan side that defeated them in the 2022 WAFCON semi-finals, adding a layer of rivalry to the encounter. Dubbed “Mission X” by supporters, Nigeria’s quest for a 10th title now carries an additional dimension of redemption. Analysts anticipate a fiercely contested match, with Morocco’s home advantage seen as a critical factor. The Olympic Stadium in Rabat has drawn sizable local crowds throughout the tournament, and a similarly charged atmosphere is expected for the final.
Solace-Chukwu emphasized the psychological stakes for Nigeria. “Winning on Moroccan soil would reassert their dominance in African football,” she said. “It’s about reclaiming the fear factor and proving they remain the team to beat, while also offering valuable experience for younger squad members.”
As kickoff approaches, all eyes will be on how the Super Falcons navigate both the partisan crowd and the weight of expectation. A triumph would not only extend their storied legacy but also reinforce their claim as the continent’s preeminent force in women’s football.
