The 2025 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finale promises fireworks as nine-time champions Nigeria face host nation Morocco on Saturday, July 26th at Stade Olympique in Rabat.
Nigeria reached the final with a dramatic late 2-1 win over defending champions South Africa. Morocco advanced after a tough semi-final against Ghana: the match finished 1-1 after extra time, and Morocco won 4-2 on penalties.
This final is a rematch of the 2022 semi-final, where Morocco shocked Nigeria on penalties to reach their first-ever WAFCON final. Now, they meet again with the championship trophy at stake.
Nigeria aims for a historic 10th WAFCON title. Impressively, the Super Falcons have won all nine finals they’ve played in. Their experience is unmatched, with nine WAFCON titles, nine World Cup appearances, and four Olympic campaigns.
For Morocco, this is only their second final appearance. But the Atlas Lionesses have risen steadily – finishing as runners-up in 2022 and qualifying for their first World Cup in 2023. Now, backed by passionate home fans, they seek their first continental title.
Under Coach Justine Madugu, Nigeria blends discipline, teamwork and skill. Their defence has been strong, conceding only one goal (a penalty) in five games. Their midfield works tirelessly, and their 11 goals have come from eight different players – the most diverse scoring record in the tournament.
Morocco, coached by Jorge Vilda, has been exciting in attack, sharing the tournament lead with 11 goals. Midfielders Ghizlane Chebbak and Yasmin Mrabet have scored seven of them. However, their attacking focus has left them vulnerable defensively, conceding six goals and keeping only one clean sheet. Nigeria will likely try to exploit this weakness.
This is the fourth WAFCON meeting between the teams. Nigeria dominated the first two (8-0 in 1998 and 6-0 in 2000). Morocco didn’t return until 2022 as hosts, where their improved team stunned Nigeria in that penalty shootout semi-final win after Nigeria had two players sent off.
Saturday’s final gives Morocco a chance to even their record against Nigeria. For Nigeria, it’s an opportunity to prove they remain Africa’s top women’s football team.
