Ghana head coach Kim Lars Björkegren has backed Nigeria’s Super Falcons to emerge champions of the ongoing 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Footynaija.com reports.
Nigeria booked their place in the final after edging South Africa 2–1 in a tense semi-final, with goals from Rasheedat Ajibade and Michelle Alozie. The win marked the Super Falcons’ fifth straight match without defeat at the tournament, keeping alive their push for a record-extending tenth WAFCON title. Morocco, on the other hand, needed penalties to overcome Ghana in the last four and will be hoping home support in Rabat tilts the balance.
But Björkegren, who saw his Ghana side lose that semi-final, is convinced Nigeria hold the upper hand, even going as far as claiming the West African giants could lift the trophy using an entirely different starting eleven.
“I think it’s going to be an interesting game. They’re a little bit different,” he said, when asked to predict the final game, in a post-match interview after his Black Queens side defeated South Africa on penalties to claim the bronze medal on Friday.
“I think maybe potential more quality in Nigeria. I would say there are so many good players in Nigeria. Nigeria can also play with the second team and also win the tournament with the second team. That’s my opinion.”
He, however, admitted that Morocco have improved in structure and organisation under coach Jorge Vilda, but maintained that if Nigeria show up mentally and physically, they should win their tenth WAFCON crown.
“But Morocco is also very organised. But if Nigeria is not showing up, then Morocco will win. But my feeling is they (Nigeria) are going to do it. And I put $1 dollar on Nigeria,” the Swedish coach added.
Nigeria last won the tournament in 2018 and are looking to reclaim their dominance after finishing fourth in 2022.