The stage is set in Rabat as Nigeria’s Super Falcons take on host nation Morocco in the final of the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
It’s a battle between the most successful team in the tournament’s history and a rising powerhouse eager to make history on home soil.
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The Super Falcons, chasing a record-extending 10th continental title, have been unbeaten all tournament, showing grit and determination in tough matches through the group stage, against Zambia and then South Africa.
Morocco, on the other hand, are aiming to join the elite list of countries to win the WAFCON which only has Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa.
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Backed by a passionate home crowd, the Atlas Lionesses reached the final after a dramatic semi-final penalty win over Ghana.
This match is a rematch of the gripping 2022 semi-final that saw Morocco edge Nigeria on penalties in Rabat.
ALSO READ: Morocco vs Nigeria: Five reasons why the Super Falcons are ‘favoured’ to lift the WAFCON trophy again
But the Super Falcons, now better prepared and more experienced, are determined to reclaim the crown they last won in 2018.
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Kickoff is at 9pm at the packed Olympic Stadium, Rabat.
Stay with PREMIUM TIMES for LIVE UPDATES and key moments from this epic final.
Super Falcons XI vs Morocco: One Change for WAFCON 2024 Final
Nigeria’s Super Falcons have named their starting XI for tonight’s WAFCON 2024 final clash against Morocco, with just one change from the semi-final line-up. Deborah Abiodun comes in to replace Jennifer Echegini in midfield.
Chiamaka Nnadozie starts in goal, with a solid backline of Ohale, Plumptre, Demehin, and Alozie. The midfield features Ayinde, Ajibade (captain), and Abiodun, while Okoronkwo, Ihezuo, and Ijamilusi lead the attack.
It’s all set for a thrilling final in Casablanca as Nigeria chase a 10th continental title.
The countdown is almost over… The WAFCON trophy has been brought to the pitch
Guinness world record holder Tunde Onakoya is among the impressive Nigerian crowd at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat
Both teams on the pitch and we start with the Nigeria national anthem
The formalities done with and we are set for the 26th and final game of WAFCON 2024
Both Nigeria and Morocco have made just one change each to their semi final line up
This is officially Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON final… They have won every final they played in, can they do that tonight
We are officially underway at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat as hosts Morocco get the kickoff
Six players in the Morocco team featured in the last final which they lost to South Africa, they will be seeking redemption against Nigeria tonight
Nigeria with their first real attack in this game win a corner kick
Ijamilusi with the cross but no hassles for Morocco as Alozie fires her shot wide
Free kick for Morocco as Alozie commits a foul
Badri hits the ball from just outside the box but it’s way off target as Nigeria gets a goal kick
This is the sixth game in three weeks for both sides…. This is the ultimate game and both teams are surely ready for action
Great move by Plumptre but her cross into the box was intercepted
Ijamilusi set to take another corner kick but the Morocco makes a quick safe
12 minutes gone … Morocco scores!
Chebak with a well taken goal gives Morocco the lead
Okoronkwo with a corner kick for Nigeria… Deborah Abiodun with a shot from distance sails off the target
Morocco has conceded in every match played so far at WAFCON 2024, the Super Falcons will be positive they can get back into this game
The Super Falcons have higher ball possession so far with 54.5% but Morocco are in front with that well taken goal by Chebak
The goal by Chebbak is the first to be conceded in open play by Nigeria at this tournament
Tame effort my Ijamilusi sails straight into the hands of the Morocco goalkeeper
Goal!! Morocco doubles the lead
Mssoudy with the goal for the Atlas Lionesses
The last time Nigeria faced Morocco, two players got a red card, hopefully the Super Falcons will be composed enough to see this through
The only time Nigeria conceded in a WAFCON final was in 2010… That game ended Nigeria 4-2 Equatorial Guinea… Can the Super Falcons do that again 15 years after
30 minutes gone
Great cross by Ajibade but the desired connection was missing from her Super Falcons’ teammates
The last time a host won the WAFCON tournament was in 2012 when Equatorial Guinea hammered South Africa 4-0
Three minutes added time for the first half almost up
Half Time: Morocco 2-0 Nigeria
Not many would have predicted this scoreline
WAFCON Final HT: Morocco lead Nigeria 2-0 despite lower possession
Morocco hold a surprising 2-0 lead over Nigeria at half-time in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final, despite the Super Falcons dominating possession and passes.
The Atlas Lionesses had just 43.1% possession compared to Nigeria’s 56.9%, but they were more clinical in front of goal. Morocco registered six total shots with two on target, while Nigeria managed five shots and only one on target.
The Super Falcons completed 169 passes with 74.6% accuracy, edging Morocco’s 133 passes at 72.2%. Nigeria also earned four corners and committed just three fouls, compared to Morocco’s seven.
Despite controlling much of the play, Nigeria trail by two goals and will need a big second-half comeback to secure their 10th WAFCON title.
Second half underway
The most popular scoreline in WAFCON finals is 2-0… Are we having another tonight?
The Super Falcons gradually trying to get past the Moroccans but the North Africans have defended well so far
Alozie breaks a counter attacking move by Morocco
Echegini and Babajide Rinsola have been brought in for Chiwendu Ihezuo and Halimat Ayinde
Lifeline for Nigeria as referee goes for a VAR CHECK for potential hand ball against Morocco
Penalty…
Okoronkwo to take the penalty for Nigeria
Esther Okoronkwo takes it and SCORES!!!
Morocco 2-1 Nigeria
The Super Falcons have now scored their 12th goal in this tournament.. Morocco have 13 goals to their name
Morocco with a chance to restore their two-goal lead but the tame shot is saved by Chiamaka Nnadozie
70 Minutes gone
GOAL… IJAMILUSI scores the equalizer
Great move my Okoronkwo and superb touch by Ijamilusi makes it 2-2
Ajibade down on the turf after taking a shot to her stomach
Oshoala has been brought into the game
Namibia referee points to the spot
.. penalty for Morocco
Can Nnadozie stop this .
Var check again….
NO PENALTY!! Big relief for Nigeria
Free kick for Nigeria..
Okoronkwo floats in a cross Plumptre goes for a header and crashes into the Morocco goalkeeper
Play back on ..
Goal!! Echegini scores for Nigeria
From two goals down… Super Falcons are now one goal ahead
Moroccan fans already leaving the stadium
Six minutes added time
Chebbak with a foul and Nigeria gets a free kick
Substitution: Oladipo and Isah in for Alozie and Okoronkwo
Full Time: Morocco 2-3 Nigeria
Super Falcons are champions of Africa for the 10th time… Mission X accomplished!
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