Head coach of Nigeria’s Super Falcons, Justine Madugu, has expressed optimism about his team’s readiness to reclaim the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title as they gear up to face hosts Morocco in the final on Saturday.
The Nigerian side, nine-time champions of the tournament, arrived in Rabat on Wednesday and held their first training session at the Olympic Stadium on Thursday. The Falcons had played their previous five matches at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
Nigeria advanced to the final after a hard-fought 1-0 win over reigning champions South Africa in the semi-finals. The breakthrough came late in the match through a goal from defender Michelle Alozie. Morocco, meanwhile, secured their spot with a 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Ghana after their semi-final ended 1-1 in regulation time.
Speaking to NFF Media, Coach Madugu emphasized the team’s determination to go all the way.
“We thank God for making it to the final. I want to assure Nigerians that we are not going to relent. Our eyes are firmly set on lifting the trophy in Rabat,” he said.
Saturday’s final is widely anticipated as a clash between the dominant force in African women’s football and a fast-rising Moroccan side. The two nations previously met in the semi-finals of the last edition, where Nigeria finished the match with nine players and eventually lost on penalties.
So far in the tournament, Nigeria has scored 11 goals and conceded only once—a penalty against South Africa. The team also boasts Chiwendu Ihezuo, one of the tournament’s top scorers, among its standout performers.
The upcoming final will be Nigeria’s 10th appearance in a WAFCON final since the tournament began in 1998. The Super Falcons have never lost a final and will be aiming to extend their legacy with a 10th continental crown.
