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WAFCON 2024 Final: 10 key things to know before Nigeria battle Morocco for African title

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The stage is set for a thrilling showdown in Rabat as Nigeria face Morocco in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2024) on Saturday, July 26, Footynaija.com reports.

The Super Falcons are chasing a record-extending 10th title, while the Atlas Lionesses are looking to make history by winning their first-ever continental crown on home soil.

Here are 10 key things to know ahead of this blockbuster WAFCON 2024 final.

1. A Rematch of the 2022 Classic

This is a repeat of the 2022 semi-final in Rabat where Morocco stunned Nigeria in a dramatic penalty shootout. The Super Falcons finished that match with nine players and eventually lost 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

2. Nigeria’s Perfect WAFCON Final Record
The Super Falcons have played in nine WAFCON finals and won all of them. From their first title in 1998 to their most recent in 2018, Nigeria have never lost a final at this tournament.

3. Morocco Chasing First Title
Morocco have only recently emerged as a force in African women’s football. This is just their second final, following their impressive home run in 2022 where they lost to South Africa. A win on Saturday would be their first WAFCON crown.

4. Rasheedat Ajibade Leads by Example
Nigeria’s captain Rasheedat Ajibade has been one of the standout performers at WAFCON 2024. The former Atlético Madrid star has registered a goal and two assists at the tournament. Ajibade has also claimed three Woman of the Match awards and played a decisive role in getting her side to the final.

5. Chebbak: Morocco’s Star and Scorer
Ghizlane Chebbak, the 34-year-old Moroccan skipper, leads the tournament with four goals, including a hat-trick against DR Congo. Her leadership and ability to deliver in pressure moments make her Morocco’s biggest threat.

6. Contrasting Defences
Nigeria have the best defensive record in the tournament, conceding just once in five games. Morocco, by contrast, have let in six goals, managing only one clean sheet throughout.

7. Nigeria’s Route to the Final
The Super Falcons topped Group B, thrashed Zambia 5-0 in the quarter-final, and edged South Africa 2-1 in a dramatic semi-final to book their place in Saturday’s final.

8. Morocco’s Fairytale Run
The hosts topped Group A and survived a nerve-wracking penalty shootout against Ghana in the semi-final to make it through. They have scored 11 goals in five matches, showing impressive attacking form.

9. Key Tactical Battle
Nigeria’s midfield engine room, led by Halimatu Ayinde and Ajibade, will be key to controlling the tempo. Morocco will look to overrun them with Chebbak’s creativity and Yasmin Mrabet’s bursts from deep.

10. Kick-off Time and Venue
The final takes place at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Saturday, July 26, with kick-off at 8pm Nigerian time. Over 40,000 fans are expected to fill the stadium for what promises to be a historic night in African women’s football.

Whether Nigeria extend their reign or Morocco rise to the top for the first time, the 2024 WAFCON final is poised to deliver a memorable spectacle.