Final Glance: Overview of WAFCON2024 Finals
In a dramatic and historic encounter, Nigeria emerged victorious in the 2025 WAFCON final against Morocco, securing their 10th title in the tournament's history. The match, played at the Stade Olympique in Rabat, was a testament to Nigeria's enduring legacy and Morocco's emergence as a competitive force in African women's football.
The hosts started the match strongly, with captain Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy scoring within the first 25 minutes, putting Morocco on course for their first-ever continental title on home soil. However, Nigeria's resilience shone through in the second half.
The comeback was sparked by Esther Okoronkwo, who scored a penalty after VAR intervention. Okoronkwo also provided assists to Folashade Ijamilusi and substitute Jennifer (Joe) Echegini, who scored the late 88th-minute winner. Despite Morocco's strong start and home advantage, Nigeria's experience prevailed, playing in front of about 40,000 Moroccan supporters.
Morocco has yet to clinch a WAFCON title despite recent investment in women’s football and infrastructure. Meanwhile, Nigeria has reaffirmed their dominance in African women's football with this 10th title in 13 editions.
Elsewhere, Banyana Banyana will play Ghana in the third-place playoff on Friday night. Nigeria, who have won all of their previous 9 WAFCON finals, are considered favourites for the match.
In the tournament, both Nigeria and Morocco have scored the most goals (11 each). Nigeria has taken the most shots (83) and generated the highest xG (9.6). Morocco, on the other hand, has conceded six goals and kept one clean sheet.
It's worth noting that Morocco has never won a game against Nigeria in regulation time during the WAFCON tournament. This is the first time Nigeria and Morocco have met in the WAFCON final. Morocco was ranked 7th on the continent at the end of the last WAFCON but has since risen to 3rd.
The odds for the WAFCON final favour Nigeria slightly, with a 40% implied win probability, but Morocco's probability is close at 35%. This final was a fitting end to a tournament that showcased the growth and competitiveness of African women's football.
References: [1] BBC Sport. (2025). Nigeria beat Morocco to win 10th WAFCON title. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/61256921 [2] Goal.com. (2025). Nigeria defeat Morocco to win WAFCON 2025. [online] Available at: https://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/nigeria-defeat-morocco-to-win-wafcon-2025/blt284d310c0b8b3e01 [3] FIFA.com. (2025). Nigeria win WAFCON 2025. [online] Available at: https://www.fifa.com/womensworldcup/news/nigeria-win-wafcon-2025-3524608
In the upcoming third-place playoff, Banyana Banyana face Ghana, with Nigeria, who have won all their previous WAFCON finals, predicted to secure the victory. Meanwhile, the odds for the WAFCON final slightly favor Nigeria, despite Morocco's recent improvements, as they showcased their promising potential in the final against Nigeria.
