Chijioke Gabriel
Nigeria’s Super Falcons will face host nation Morocco in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after both teams secured dramatic semifinal victories.
The nine-time champions, Nigeria, earned their spot in the final following a thrilling 2-1 win over South Africa. Rasheedat Ajibade opened the scoring from the penalty spot just before halftime, but Linda Motlhalo equalised for Banyana Banyana in the 60th minute. With the game seemingly heading for extra time, Michelle Alozie struck a sensational winner in the 94th minute, sparking jubilant celebrations among Nigerian fans.
Meanwhile, Morocco triumphed over Ghana in the other semifinal, winning 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw which stretched the match into extra time of 120 minutes.
The Atlas Lionesses, buoyed by home support, will be seeking their first-ever continental crown when they meet Nigeria in Rabat.
The upcoming final promises to be an intense showdown between Nigeria’s experience and Morocco’s home advantage. The Super Falcons will aim to extend their record by claiming a 10th WAFCON title, while Morocco hopes to make history on home soil.