Falcons eye 10th WAFCON title after dramatic semi-final win

Nigeria’s Super Falcons are just one win away from reclaiming their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) crown, and assistant coach Justine Madugu says they’re fully focused on bringing the trophy home.

Following a thrilling 1-0 victory over defending champions South Africa in the semi-final, secured by Michelle Alozie’s late goal, the nine-time champions will face host nation Morocco in the WAFCON 2024 final on Saturday at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.

“We knew South Africa would be a tough opponent, but our tactics paid off,” said Madugu. “We’ve come too far to let go now. Our eyes are on the trophy.”

The Falcons, who have now scored 11 goals and conceded just one (a penalty), are chasing their 10th continental title in what has been a dominant campaign. The final promises a classic battle—Nigeria, Africa’s most successful women’s team, versus Morocco, a rising force in the women’s game.

This clash mirrors February’s AFCON final where Nigeria’s Super Eagles lost narrowly to hosts Côte d’Ivoire. Now, it’s the Falcons’ turn to make history on North African soil.

The squad’s form has been boosted by star performances from Rasheedat Ajibade, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Esther Okoronkwo, and Jennifer Echegini. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, a two-time African Goalkeeper of the Year, has remained almost unbeatable between the posts.

The match will also revive memories of Nigeria’s early dominance in women’s football—like their 8-0 demolition of Cameroon in 1998 and 6-0 victory in 2000. But recent years have seen stronger competition, with Morocco beating the Falcons on penalties in the 2022 semi-finals.

Now, with a capacity crowd expected and pride on the line, the Super Falcons are ready to rewrite that chapter and reclaim their spot at the top of African women’s football.