The 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations wraps up in Rabat this Saturday as nine time champions Nigeria take on hosts Morocco in a much anticipated final. It’s a repeat of their fiery 2022 semi final and promises to be a battle of tactics, nerves and history.
Nigeria’s Tactical Discipline and Squad Depth:
Under coach Justin Madugu, Nigeria have developed a well balanced setup. Defensively, the team is solid. They’ve conceded only once in five games, and that was a penalty against South Africa in the semi final. The back four of Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale, Oluwatosin Demehin and Ashleigh Plumptre has been consistent, organized and composed under pressure.
In midfield, Nigeria operate with a high work rate. Rasheedat Ajibade and Halimatu Ayinde have combined tactical intelligence with energy. Ajibade in particular has emerged as the key connector between midfield and attack, contributing both goals and assists.
One of Nigeria’s biggest strengths is their attacking depth. Eleven goals have come from eight different players, the most diverse scoring record in the tournament. The team has managed to progress without relying heavily on Asisat Oshoala, who has only played 110 minutes and scored once. Her limited use gives Madugu a game changing option off the bench for the final.
Morocco’s Aggressive Press and Midfield Fluidity:
Coach Jorge Vilda has set up Morocco to play on the front foot. The Atlas Lionesses lead the tournament with 11 goals, tied with Nigeria. Their play is built around midfielders Ghizlane Chebbak and Yasmin Mrabet, who have scored seven of those goals. Chebbak provides creativity and leadership while Mrabet adds vertical movement and shooting threat.
Morocco’s attacking style, however, leaves gaps defensively. They’ve let in six goals in five matches and have just one clean sheet. Their defensive line stays unchanged but the real problem lies in the space between defence and midfield, which better teams like Nigeria can expose through quick transitions.
Midfield Battle Will Be Key:
This final could be decided in the middle of the pitch. Nigeria’s midfielders are disciplined and cover a lot of ground, while Morocco rely on fluid movement and quick combinations. If Nigeria can disrupt Morocco’s rhythm early and keep Chebbak quiet, they will have the upper hand.
Set Pieces and Width:
Both sides have shown strength on set pieces. Nigeria’s height and aerial presence give them an advantage, especially in attacking corners. Morocco on the other hand use short corners and overloads to create chances.
Out wide, Nigeria’s full backs provide strong overlaps while Morocco depend more on midfielders drifting to the flanks. That difference in approach could stretch the game, especially in the second half when fatigue sets in.
Key Players to Watch:
Rasheedat Ajibade: Nigeria
Midfield leader and engine of the team
Ghizlane Chebbak: Morocco
Creative playmaker and top scorer
Esther Okoronkwo: Nigeria
Instinctive finisher with strong link up play
Yasmin Mrabet: Morocco
Dynamic midfielder with a powerful shot
Asisat Oshoala: Nigeria
Impact player with the ability to change the game in minutes
Head to Head Record:
Games played at WAFCON: 3
Nigeria wins: 2
Morocco wins: 1
So,
Nigeria bring structure and experience. Morocco bring intensity and the home crowd. If Nigeria control the midfield and avoid early mistakes, their experience in finals could give them the edge. But if Morocco play with confidence and move the ball quickly through their key midfielders, they stand a real chance of making history.
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