2025 WAFCON final: Morocco vs Nigeria highlights, tactical review

Nigeria’s Super Falcons in celebration after winning Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses in 2025 WAFCON final. Photo. CAF online

The Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat was filled with energy as Nigeria’s Super Falcons clinched their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations- WAFCON title with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses in the 2024 final, delayed to 2025. Before a fervent crowd of 21,000, the match delivered a masterclass in tactical adaptability, individual brilliance, and high-stakes drama, cementing its place as one of WAFCON’s most memorable finals. From Nigeria’s second-half resurgence to Morocco’s spirited home challenge, here’s a deep dive into the tactics, standout players, refereeing, and defining moments of this epic encounter.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons resilience vs Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses ambitions

Nigeria, under coach Justine Madugu, deployed a flexible 4-2-3-1 formation, balancing defensive solidity with attacking flair. Their game plan hinged on absorbing early pressure and exploiting transitions through captain Rasheedat Ajibade’s pace and vision. In the first half, however, the Super Falcons struggled to find rhythm, as Morocco’s high-pressing disrupted their midfield duo of Christy Uchegbu and Deborah Abiodun. Nigeria’s deep defensive block invited pressure, with full-backs Ashleigh Plumptre and Michelle Alozie tasked with containing Morocco’s wingers, a tactic that left gaps exploited by the Atlas Lionesses’ central playmakers.

Morocco, coached by Jorge Vilda, the 2023 Women’s World Cup-winning coach with Spain, opted for a dynamic 5-4-1 that changed into a 3-3-3-1 when attacking. Their strategy leveraged home support to press aggressively, forcing turnovers and feeding captain Ghizlane Chebbak in advanced midfield role. Wing-backs Zineb Redouani and Fatima Tagnaout stretched Nigeria’s defense, creating space for forward Sanaa Mssoudy. Morocco’s first-half dominance reflected their intent to seize early control, but their high defensive line proved vulnerable after halftime as Nigeria adjusted their approach.

Morocco vs Nigeria standout players

For Nigeria, Rasheedat Ajibade was the linchpin. The Atletico Madrid forward orchestrated the comeback with her relentless pressing and playmaking, assisting Esther Okoronkwo’s 64th-minute goal. Ajibade’s ability to drift wide and cut inside overwhelmed Morocco’s defense, creating space for teammates. Her leadership, evident in rallying the team at 2-0 down, embodied Nigeria’s “Mission X” ethos.

Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie proved equally crucial, making five saves, including a point-blank stop on Mssoudy in the 92nd minute. Her command of the box and distribution sparked counterattacks, earning her the Golden Glove award. Substitute Onyi Echegini, delivered the decisive blow, smashing home the 88th-minute winner with composure beyond her 23 years.

Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak, the Golden Boot winner, was a constant menace. Her 13th-minute free-kick curled past Nnadozie with precision, and her vision set up Mssoudy’s 24th-minute tap-in. Chebbak’s set-piece mastery and tireless work rate kept Morocco in the fight, though she faded slightly as Nigeria’s midfield tightened. Sanaa Mssoudy complemented Chebbak with her movement, stretching Nigeria’s backline, while defender Yasmin Mrabet marshaled a resilient defense until Nigeria’s second-half onslaught.

A review of the match officiating

South African referee Akhona Makalima officiated with authority, maintaining control in a high-intensity match. Her decision to award Morocco’s early free-kick, leading to Chebbak’s goal, was debated, with some Nigerian fans arguing the foul on Ajibade was soft. Makalima issued three yellow cards: two to Nigeria (Abiodun and Plumptre) and one to Morocco (Redouani) reflecting a firm but fair approach. A potential penalty for Morocco in the 78th minute, when Mssoudy went down under Osinachi Ohale’s challenge, was waved away, drawing protests from the home crowd but deemed correct by analysts, as contact appeared minimal.

Makalima’s use of advantage play allowed the game to flow, contributing to its end-to-end nature. However, her added time of six minutes sparked Moroccan complaints, as they believed it was insufficient given stoppages. Overall, her performance is commendable for keeping tempers in check, a nod to her experience as a 2023 World Cup official.

Mahor highlights of the game

The match unfolded in waves of drama, with key moments defining its narrative: 13th Minute, Morocco’s Dream Start: Chebbak’s free-kick soared over Nigeria’s wall, silencing the Super Falcons’ traveling fans and igniting the Rabat crowd. 24th Minute- Morocco Double Up, A swift counterattack saw Chebbak’s through-ball find Mssoudy, who tapped in unmarked, exposing Nigeria’s high line.

64th Minute– Nigeria’s Lifeline, Okoronkwo, whose clinical finish on the penalty spot, shifted momentum. 71st Minute – the Equalizer: A Moroccan defensive lapse allowed Folashade Ijamilusi to pounce on a loose ball, slotting past goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi to level the score. 88th Minute- Echegini’s Heroics; Echegini, barely on the pitch, latched onto a half-cleared cross and rifled a shot into the top corner, sparking wild celebrations. 92nd Minute- Nnadozie’s Save, Mssoudy’s header seemed destined for the net, but Nnadozie’s reflex save preserved Nigeria’s lead, sealing her status as the game’s unsung hero.

Conclusion

The 2025 WAFCON final was more than a match; it was a testament to the growth of African women’s football. Nigeria’s comeback avenged their 2022 semi-final loss to Morocco, reinforcing their dominance with a perfect 10-0 record in WAFCON finals. For Morocco, the defeat stung, but their attacking flair and organization signal a bright future under Vilda. The Atlas Lionesses’ 11 tournament goals and home support showcased their potential to challenge Africa’s elite. As Nigeria celebrates another chapter in their storied history, and Morocco reflects on a campaign that pushed the Super Falcons to the brink, the 2025 WAFCON final will be remembered as a clash of titans, defined by tactical intrigue, individual heroics, and unforgettable moments.