SUPER Falcons head coach Justine Madugu is not worried that his side will be up against the crowd tonight as they face hosts Morocco in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final in Rabat.
While the Super Falcons have played in front of sparse crowds in Casablanca in their run to the decider, Morocco’s matches have been before full houses all through.
However, with a quest to win a milestone 10th title to complete — aptly named ‘Mission X’ — Madugu and his queens are not prepared to let anything stand in their way, not even 21,000 fans cheering on their opponents at the Olympic Stadium.
“We have a highly motivated group of players, aware of the pressure of a final. They are ready to give their all,” Madugu said.
“We know the stakes and the intensity of the Moroccan crowd. But our players have experience in major finals and know how to handle this type of match.”
On the flip side of the coin, however, Morocco head coach Jorge Vilda is hoping the crowd give his side one last push to their maiden African title.
The Atlas Lionesses fell short at the final hurdle last time in 2022 — when they also hosted — losing to South Africa.
This time, Vidal is confident they will go all the way, even if the serial winners Super Falcons are in their path.
“Playing in front of our home crowd is an immense source of energy. This stadium is more than a pitch, it’s an arena where our dreams can come to life,” Vidal boasted.
The controversiial Spaniard, who led his country to win the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023, believes the crowd will not be the only factor in his side’s favour though.
He added: “Our strength lies in our cohesion. We have worked hard to get to this point. Each player knows what they have to do on the pitch.”
Tonight’s WAFCON final, kicking off at 9pm Nigerian time, is between two teams who have been prolific all tournament, but with the Super Falcons superior defensively.
Morocco and Nigeria have scored 11 goals each in five matches, but the latter have conceded just one to the former’s five.