Nigeria vs Morocco: 2025 WAFCON final match preview, prediction
Nigeria vs Morocco at the 2024 WAFCON final. Photo Credit- CAF online
On Saturday, July 26, 2025, by 7:00 GMT (20:00 WAT), at Olympic Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, Nigeria’s Super Falcons face the host nation’s Atlas Lionesses in a blockbuster 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final. Nigeria, unbeaten and yet to concede, aim for a record-extending 10th title, powered by Rasheedat Ajibade and a rock-solid defense. Morocco, fueled by Ghizlane Chebbak’s goals and a fervent home crowd, chase their first-ever crown. This clash of Nigeria’s experience and Morocco’s ambition promises an unforgettable battle for African football supremacy.
Super Falcons of Nigeria team performances
Nigeria have been the standout team at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), storming into the final with an unblemished record, winning four of five matches and maintaining a perfect defensive record with no goals conceded. Their 5-0 demolition of Zambia in the quarterfinals, followed by a dramatic 2-1 victory over defending champions South Africa in the semifinals, underscored their championship pedigree. Rasheedat Ajibade’s penalty and Michelle Alozie’s stoppage-time screamer against Banyana Banyana highlighted their clutch mentality. Under coach Justine Madugu, the Super Falcons are on “Mission X” to secure a record-extending 10th WAFCON title, last won in 2018. Their nine goals scored, led by Chinwendu Ihezuo’s three, reflect improved finishing after group-stage concerns.
Super Falcons tactics
Nigeria’s 4-2-3-1 formation, occasionally shifting to a 4-3-3, prioritizes defensive solidity and rapid transitions. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, arguably Africa’s best, anchors a backline led by Osinachi Ohale and Ashleigh Plumptre, who have conceded a goal since the beginning of the tournament. Midfielders Deborah Abiodun and Christy Ucheibe provide steel, allowing Rasheedat Ajibade and Asisat Oshoala to exploit wide areas. Esther Okoronkwo and Ihezuo’s movement up top stretches defenses, while set pieces as seen in Ohale and Oluwatosin Demehin’s goals are a major weapon. Madugu will likely target Morocco’s slower defenders with pacey counters while maintaining a compact shape to neutralize Chebbak’s playmaking.
Super Falcons team news and injuries
Rasheedat Ajibade (1 goal, 2 assists) and Chinwendu Ihezuo (3 goals) lead the attack, with Asisat Oshoala’s experience (1 goal) vital. Chiamaka Nnadozie’s goalkeeping and Osinachi Ohale’s set-piece threat are pivotal. No reported injuries. Deborah Abiodun, previously a doubt, played a full 90 minutes against South Africa. Folashade Ijamilusi and Esther Okoronkwo’s impact (1 goal each vs Zambia) adds depth. Rinsola Babajide’s pace off the bench could be a game-changer.
Expected Lineup (4-2-3-1): Nnadozie; Alozie, Ohale, Plumptre, Demehin; Ucheibe, Abiodun; Ajibade, Oshoala, Babajide; Ihezuo.
RELATED STORIES
Super Falcons edge Banyana Banyana 2-1 to reach 2025 WAFCON final
Atlas Lionesses of Morocco team form
The hosts have electrified the tournament, reaching their second consecutive WAFCON final with a 1-1 draw and 4-2 penalty shootout win over Ghana in the semifinals. Morocco topped Group A with seven points, drawing 2-2 with Zambia, thrashing DR Congo 4-0, and edging Senegal 1-0 via a controversial penalty. Their 3-1 quarterfinal win over Mali, powered by Ibtissam Jraidi’s brace, showcased their attacking flair. Ghizlane Chebbak’s four goals make her the tournament’s joint-top scorer, tying Senegal’s Nguenar Ndiaye. Despite conceding four goals, Morocco’s 10 goals scored, the most in the tournament show their offensive potency. Coach Jorge Vilda, the 2023 World Cup winner with Spain, has instilled versatility, with the Lionesses adept at possession and counterattacks.
Atlas Lionesses tactics
Morocco’s 4-2-3-1, under Vilda’s “Spanish vibe,” emphasizes possession and versatility. Ghizlane Chebbak, a deep-lying playmaker, creates for Ibtissam Jraidi and wingers Sakina Ouzraoui and Fatima Tagnaout. Yasmin Mrabet and Najat Badri anchor midfield, with Elodie Nakkach offering late-game dynamism off the bench. Morocco’s high pressing and wing play, can overwhelm opponents, but their defense, conceding in three of four games is vulnerable to pace, as seen in matches against Ghana and Zambia. Vilda may exploit Nigeria’s occasional finishing struggles with quick passing and set-piece resilience, while tightening up to counter Ajibade’s runs.
Atlas Lionesses team news and injuries
Ghizlane Chebbak (4 goals) and Ibtissam Jraidi (3 goals) are the tournament’s top scorers, with Sakina Ouzraoui’s wing play (2 assists) key. Yasmin Mrabet’s versatility strengthens the spine. No major injuries. Fatima Tagnaout, substituted against Mali, is confirmed fit. Kenza Chapelle’s late goal off the bench against Mali highlights Morocco’s depth. Sanaa Mssoudy’s energy could disrupt Nigeria’s midfield.
Expected Lineup (4-2-3-1): Er-Rmichi; Redouani, El Haj, Mrabet, Amani; Badri, Nakkach; Ouzraoui, Chebbak, Tagnaout; Jraidi.
RELATED STORIES
WAFCON 2022: Morocco edge resilient Super Falcons to reach first-ever final
Nigeria vs Morocco head-to-head statistics
Nigeria and Morocco have met once in competitive fixtures. Nigeria lost via penalties in the 2022 WAFCON semifinals. Nigeria’s dominance in past WAFCON encounters gives them a psychological edge, but Morocco’s 2022 semifinal win and home support level the playing field. The Super Falcons are unbeaten in WAFCON finals (9-0), while Morocco lost the 2022 final 2-1 to South Africa. Matches between the two are typically low-scoring, with under 2.5 goals in two of their three meetings. Nigeria’s defensive record (1 goal conceded) contrasts with Morocco’s 10 goals scored and four conceded.
Nigeria vs Morocco score prediction
Nigeria enter as slight favorites, thanks to their flawless defensive record and experience in nine WAFCON finals. Their 2-1 semifinal win over South Africa, sealed by Alozie’s long-range stunner, showcased their ability to deliver in clutch moments. However, Morocco’s attacking firepower, led by Chebbak and Jraidi, and the home crowd make this a near-even contest. Nigeria’s pacey counters, via Ajibade and Oshoala, could exploit Morocco’s slower defenders, but the Lionesses’ possession game and set-piece threat pose problems. Football fans highlight Nigeria’s “winning mentality” but note Morocco’s home advantage. A tight, tactical battle is likely, with Nigeria’s defensive resolve potentially edging out Morocco’s flair, though penalties loom if neither side breaks through.
