Team News, Preview, Prediction, Expected Line-ups Of Nigeria, Morocco In 2024 WAFCON Final

 Team News, Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction, Expected Line-ups Of Nigeria, Morocco In 2024 WAFCON Final 

By Niyi Busari 

 The stage is set for an electrifying climax to the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) as Nigeria’s Super Falcons take on host nation Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses in the final on Saturday, July 26 at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat. Kick-off is scheduled for 8:00 pm, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

For Nigeria, the tournament has been a showcase of dominance, defensive resilience, and title ambition. Unbeaten and yet to concede a goal, the nine-time African champions are chasing a record-extending 10th WAFCON title — their first since 2018. Morocco, buoyed by a passionate home crowd and a wave of national momentum, are bidding for their maiden continental crown.

Super Falcons: Relentless and Unbreakable

Under head coach Justine Madugu, Nigeria have embraced a pragmatic, results-driven approach. After a cautious group stage, they hit their stride in the knockout rounds, demolishing Zambia 5–0 in the quarterfinals before edging out defending champions South Africa 2–1 in a pulsating semifinal.

Rasheedat Ajibade’s leadership and creativity (1 goal, 2 assists) has been crucial, while Chinwendu Ihezuo (3 goals) and Michelle Alozie — scorer of the dramatic semifinal winner — have delivered in key moments. The Falcons’ rock-solid backline, anchored by Chiamaka Nnadozie, Osinachi Ohale, and Ashleigh Plumptre, has yet to concede from open play.

Madugu’s flexible 4-2-3-1 system — which transitions fluidly into a 4-3-3 — combines defensive discipline with pacey wide play. The midfield duo of Deborah Abiodun and Christy Ucheibe offers balance and bite, allowing attacking threats like Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala, and Rinsola Babajide to stretch opponents.

Expected Starting XI (4-2-3-1):

Nnadozie; Alozie, Ohale, Plumptre, Demehin; Ucheibe, Abiodun; Ajibade, Oshoala, Babajide; Ihezuo.

Morocco: Host Nation Chasing History

Coached by 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup-winning manager Jorge Vilda, Morocco have thrilled their home fans with flair and fighting spirit. After topping Group A with seven points, the Lionesses overcame Mali 3–1 in the quarterfinals before a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Ghana in the semifinals, following a 1–1 draw.

Captain Ghizlane Chebbak leads the tournament scoring charts with four goals, while Ibtissam Jraidi (3 goals) and Sakina Ouzraoui (2 assists) offer attacking firepower and creativity. Vilda’s tactical blueprint, modeled after Spanish positional play, emphasizes ball retention, pressing, and width — though the defense has shown vulnerability, conceding four goals in five matches.

Expected Starting XI (4-2-3-1):

Er-Rmichi; Redouani, El Haj, Mrabet, Amani; Badri, Nakkach; Ouzraoui, Chebbak, Tagnaout; Jraid.

Head-to-Head: Nigeria Hold Historic Edge, Morocco Hold Recent Memory

Nigeria boast a proud WAFCON legacy, winning all nine previous finals they've contested. Morocco, by contrast, are seeking redemption after losing their first final to South Africa in 2022. The only competitive meeting between the two sides came in that same year’s semifinal, where Morocco edged Nigeria on penalties after a 1–1 draw.

While the Super Falcons’ experience is unrivaled, Morocco’s 2022 triumph and home support give them renewed belief. Historically low-scoring, encounters between these teams are typically decided by narrow margins and moments of brilliance.

Key Battles to Watch

Ajibade vs Redouani: Nigeria’s captain will look to exploit space behind Morocco’s right-back with her pace and delivery.

Chebbak vs Ucheibe: The Moroccan playmaker must unlock Nigeria’s disciplined midfield shield.

Set Pieces: Both sides have profited from dead-ball situations — Ohale and Demehin for Nigeria, Chebbak and El Haj for Morocco.

Prediction: Cagey Contest With a Title on the Line

This final pits Nigeria’s tournament-tested pedigree against Morocco’s ambitious ascent. The Super Falcons enter as slight favourites due to their defensive record and knockout-stage composure, but Morocco’s attacking quality and home advantage cannot be underestimated.

Predicted Scoreline: Nigeria 1–0 Morocco

Expect a tightly contested affair. A decisive goal — likely from a counterattack or set piece — may come from Ihezuo or Ajibade. Nnadozie’s heroics in goal could once again prove decisive, while Morocco may need to rely on Chebbak’s inspiration or penalties to shift the narrative.