Match Preview: Morocca V Nigeria

Morocco face Nigeria in Women's African Cup Of Nations (WAFCON) final at the Stade Olympique de Rabat on Saturday 26th July at 21:00.

📸via ghanaguardian.com

The Stage is Set.

After weeks of drama, brilliance, and unforgettable moments, it all comes down to this. The 2025 WAFCON final promises a thrilling showdown, as Morocco take on Nigeria in a clash of continental giants.

The Morocco women's national team has quickly risen to prominence in African Football. They made history as runners-up in WAFCON 2022 and became the first Arab nation to reach the knockout stage of the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023.

The Nigeria women's national team is the most successful side in African women's football. With a record nine WAFCON titles and appearances at every FIFA Women's World Cup, they are known for their dominance, resilience, and deep talent pool - consistently leading the way for women's football on the continent.

While Nigeria aim to claim a record-extending 10th WAFCON crown, Morocco are chasing their first-ever title.

Road to the Final.

Morocco topped their group with 7 points. In the quarterfinals, they defeated Mali 3-1, before edging past Ghana in the semifinals with a 4-2 win on penalties after a hard-fought draw. The victory booked their place in the final against Nigeria.

Nigeria also topped their group with 7 points. They cruised past Zambia 5-0 in the quarterfinals, then overcame South Africa 2-1 in a tightly contested semifinal. With that win, they sealed their spot in the final against Morocco.

Players to Watch.

Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco) - The captain and playmaker, Chebbak provides experience, creativity and leadership. She was named Player of the Tournament at WAFCON 2022.

Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria) - A proven goal scorer and global star, Oshoala brings pace, power and big-game experience. She remains a constant threat in the final third.

Tactical Battle.

Expect Morocco to rely on their structured build-up play and midfield control, using technical players like Ghizlane Chebbak to dictate tempo and create chances through possession. Meanwhile, Nigeria will likely look to sit deep and strike on the counter, using the pace and power of their forwards, especially Asisat Oshoala, to exploit space in behind. Key battles in midfield and set-piece situations could prove decisive in a game where margins will be tight.

What The Team Said.

Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria Captain) - "Coming back to Morocco and playing this tournament is always a dream come true for me.. As a team and personally, we are going to be competing to win it."

Jorge Vilda (Morocca coach) - "It's not a negative pressure. It's a huge desire to do well.. we are very keen to see this translated into results, even if we know that it takes time to achieve this."

What's at Stake?

For Nigeria, a win would mark their record-extending 10th WAFCON title. For Morocco, it's a chance to make history and cement their place among Africa's elite.