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Morocco Vs Nigeria: Battle For WAFCON Glory

Morocco Vs Nigeria: Battle For WAFCON Glory

The grand finale of the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2024) is upon us, and the storyline could not be more tantalising.

Host nation Morocco, chasing their first-ever continental crown, take on Nigeria, the dominant force in African women’s football, eyeing a record-extending 10th title.

On Saturday, July 26, the Olympic Stadium in Rabat will erupt with passion, noise, and history as two of the tournament’s most compelling teams clash.

Nigeria, undefeated in all nine WAFCON finals they have played, are desperate to reclaim the title last won in 2018. Morocco, meanwhile, buoyed by a fiercely supportive home crowd, seek to rewrite history in front of their own.

How they reached WAFCON 2024 final
Nigeria
The Super Falcons began their WAFCON 2024 journey in Group B, finishing top with seven points after victories over Tunisia (3-0) and Botswana (1-0), followed by a goalless draw with Algeria.

Their unbeaten run extended into the knockout stages with a 5-0 thrashing of Zambia in the quarter-finals.

Nigeria Super Falcons
Nigeria Super Falcons will face Morocco in the WAFCON 2024 Final
But it was their 2-1 semi-final victory over defending champions South Africa that truly captured attention.

The match, won via a dramatic stoppage-time goal by Michelle Alozie, proved that Nigeria’s mix of experience, grit, and talent remains unrivalled in Africa.

Morocco
Morocco’s path to the final has been equally cinematic.

They started the group stage with a dramatic 2-2 draw against Zambia, then powered past DR Congo (4-2) thanks to a hat-trick from captain Ghizlane Chebbak. A narrow 1-0 win over Senegal, the only game they have kept a clean sheet, secured top spot in Group A.

Their 3-1 win over Mali in the quarter-finals was followed by a tense 1-1 semi-final draw with Ghana, which they won 4-2 on penalties, with goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi playing a starring role.

The Atlas Lionesses, despite conceding in nearly all their matches, have shown resilience and attacking verve throughout the competition.

Head-to-head
This final marks the fourth WAFCON meeting between the two nations.

Historically, Nigeria have dominated this fixture — winning 8-0 in 1998 and 6-0 in 2000. However, their most recent clash at WAFCON 2022 was a turning point.

MOROCCO VS NIGERIA IN 2022:

◽Stadium filled up with Home Fans
◽Nigeria awarded red card
◽Potential Moroccan red card ignored
◽Nigerian awarded 2nd red
◽Moroccans pointing lasers on Nigerian players
◽Morocco win 5-4 on penalties

This Saturday. Same Opponent.

Then, Morocco capitalised on Nigeria’s two red cards to force a 1-1 draw before winning 5-4 on penalties in the semi-finals.

Saturday’s clash offers the Moroccans a chance to even the head-to-head score, while Nigeria will be itching for redemption.

Team news
Morocco
Head coach Jorge Vilda has created a dynamic, attacking outfit, underpinned by the creativity of Ghizlane Chebbak and Ibtissam Jraïdi, who have combined for seven goals.

However, their attacking focus has left them exposed defensively. Morocco have conceded six goals in five matches and have managed to keep just a clean sheet — an issue that Nigeria will look to exploit.

The defensive quartet remains unchanged, but pressure will be on midfielders to track Nigeria’s fluid movement and protect the back line.

Nigeria
Nigeria’s strength lies in their balance and discipline.

Coach Justin Madugu has built a unit that defends with structure and attacks with purpose. The back four of Alozie, Osinachi Ohale, Tosin Demehin, and Ashleigh Plumptre has conceded just one goal — a penalty — all tournament.

In midfield, the tireless Halimatu Ayinde and captain Rasheedat Ajibade have shone. Up front, goals have come from eight different players, making Nigeria the most unpredictable side in the final third.

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Key players to watch
Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria)
The heartbeat of the Super Falcons. The 25-year-old captain and former Atlético Madrid winger has led with both voice and actions, winning three Woman of the Match awards and delivering in key moments. She embodies Nigeria’s hunger and winning tradition.

At 34, the Moroccan skipper is still the heartbeat of her team. Chebbak is the tournament’s top scorer with four goals, including a vital late equaliser against Zambia and a historic hat-trick against DR Congo. She is clever with her movement, positioning and intelligence in front of goal and will cause Nigeria loads of problems.

Possible lineups
Nigeria (4-3-3): Nnadozie; Alozie, Ohale, Demehin, Plumptre; Ayinde, Echegini, Ajibade; Ijamilusi, Okoronkwo, Ihezuo

Morocco (4-1-4-1): Er-Rmichi; Aït El Haj, Brnzina, Rabbah, Redouani; Mrabet; Ouzraoui, Nakkach, Chebbak, Mssoudy; Jraïdi

What they’re saying
Jorge Vilda (Morocco head coach):

“We worked hard to make it to the final. I am thinking about the Nigerian team that we will be playing in the final.”

Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria captain):

“It’s emotional, a very emotional thing for me. It’s not easy to lead this incredible team to the final of the WAFCON. The last time we won was 2018, and we have had a collective goal and mission to get to the final again this year. We just have one match to go and for sure, we’ll give our best.”

Match details
Fixture: Nigeria vs Morocco
Tournament: 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Final)
Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025
Time: 8:00pm Nigerian Time (GMT+1)
Venue: Olympic Stadium, Rabat, Morocco

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Wilfred Ndidi Backed By Sunday Oliseh As The Next Super Eagles Captain

Sunday Oliseh Supports Wilfred Ndidi For Super Eagles Captaincy

The conversation around the future leadership of the Super Eagles just got louder—and a lot more interesting.
Former Super Eagles head coach Sunday Oliseh has openly declared his preferred choice for the next captain… and his pick is none other than midfield powerhouse Wilfred Ndidi.

With William Troost-Ekong officially hanging up his international boots, the captain’s armband is now up for grabs. But if Oliseh had his way? The decision is easy.


Why Oliseh Wants Ndidi To Lead Nigeria

On his podcast, Oliseh Insight, the former Juventus and Dortmund star explained why Ndidi stands out among all current Super Eagles players. According to him, the Leicester-turned-Besiktas midfielder commands massive respect, shows unmatched professionalism, and consistently gives his all every game.

Oliseh put it plainly:

“At the moment, I think nobody doubts the respect the players have for Ndidi. And he’s a player that plays every game.”

This isn’t surprising. Ndidi has built a reputation as one of Africa’s most reliable midfielders—calm, disciplined, hardworking, and battle-tested.


Leadership To Match The Moment

Oliseh, known for bold captaincy calls (remember when he chose Musa over Mikel?), believes Nigeria’s next skipper must be more than a figurehead.
To him, the Super Eagles need a leader who:

  • Inspires the squad

  • Commands respect naturally

  • Communicates effectively

  • Represents the team with integrity

  • Leads on and off the pitch—not just someone who follows NFF instructions

In his words, the armband shouldn’t just be decorative. It should mean direction, strength, and identity. And Ndidi, in his view, fits that profile perfectly.


A New Era For The Super Eagles?

The timing of this debate couldn’t be more crucial. Nigeria is gearing up for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where they’ll face Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania in Group C.

Leadership matters in tournaments. Momentum matters. And the right captain could set the tone for the entire journey toward Morocco.

Will Ndidi rise as the next leader?
Will the NFF agree with Oliseh?
Or will another name emerge from the squad?

Whatever happens, the conversation is officially on—and the sports world is paying attention.


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William Troost-Ekong Bows Out: An Emotional Farewell That Shakes Up The Super Eagles Camp

William Troost-Ekong Bows Out In Emotional Goodbye

Super Eagles fans woke up to unexpected news as captain William Troost-Ekong officially announced his retirement from international football. Despite being listed in Eric Chelle’s 54-man provisional squad for AFCON 2025, the 2023 AFCON MVP revealed via a heartfelt video on X (formerly Twitter) that his journey with Nigeria had reached its final chapter.

The announcement came with a touching message:
“HONOURED. GRATEFUL. FOREVER A SUPER EAGLE. Playing for Nigeria has been the greatest privilege of my life. The journey may end here, but my support never will. Here’s to the next chapter.”

With 83 caps in 10 years, Ekong leaves behind a legacy of leadership, consistency, and unmatched patriotism. He was instrumental in Nigeria’s run to the 2023 AFCON final and became one of the most respected voices in the national team.


Why Now? A Transition Already In Motion

In recent months, Troost-Ekong’s role had gradually shifted. The impressive rise of 20-year-old Benjamin Fredrick pushed him out of the starting XI, reducing the captain to a bench role. One of the most emotional revelations was his admission that he was supposed to take a penalty in Nigeria’s World Cup qualifier shootout against DR Congo—but being benched meant he couldn’t step up.

Still, Ekong showed class:
“I wasn’t frustrated; I just wanted to win this game… My role is to support the team as much as possible, both on and off the pitch.”

He had also hinted earlier this year that AFCON 2025 might be his final tournament, showing that this transition wasn’t entirely sudden—it was coming.


Ndidi Tipped To Take The Captain’s Armband

The big question now is: who leads the Super Eagles?
Former coach Sunday Oliseh believes the answer is simple—Wilfred Ndidi.

Ndidi has captained the team in recent matches and commands full respect in the squad. According to Oliseh:
“Nobody doubts the respect the players have for Ndidi. And he’s a player that plays every game.”

With AFCON 2025 approaching quickly, stability is crucial—and Ndidi might be the perfect bridge into Nigeria’s next era.


A Legacy Forever Etched In Nigerian Football

Troost-Ekong leaves as a true patriot: admired, respected, and loved. His leadership transcended the pitch—he was the voice of calm, the anchor in tough moments, and the embodiment of commitment.

For the Super Eagles, a new chapter begins.
But for fans, William Troost-Ekong will always remain a Super Eagle—forever.


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Chelsea Player Ratings Vs Leeds United: Terrible Tosin Adarabioyo Sums Up Abysmal Blues As Title Credentials Are Exposed

chelsea-player-ratings-vs-leeds-united-elland-road-embarrassment

Chelsea had a night to forget at Elland Road as Leeds United outclassed, outran, and outright bullied the Blues in a bitter 3-1 defeat that leaves serious questions about their Premier League title credentials. For a team that showed grit and high-level intensity against Arsenal just days ago, this performance felt like a dramatic crash back to reality.

From the first whistle, Leeds came out flying, throwing everything at Chelsea’s backline. Within five minutes, they had already forced multiple corners and attempts on goal — and the pressure paid off. Jakob Bijol rose highest from a brilliant Anton Stach corner to give Leeds a deserved early lead.

Chelsea tried to keep the ball but created little. The back three of Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah, and Benoit Badiashile spent most of the first half passing sideways with no real penetration. The midfield looked disconnected, and Leeds took full advantage.

Just when it looked like Chelsea might limp into halftime at 1-0, disaster struck. A sloppy square pass from Tosin put Enzo Fernandez under pressure. The Argentine was dispossessed, the ball fell to Jayden Bogle, and Ao Tanaka unleashed a rocket into the top corner from distance. Suddenly, Chelsea were 2-0 down and deservedly so.

Enzo Maresca made changes at halftime, and the introduction of Malo Gusto and Pedro Neto sparked some life. Neto smashed home a well-worked goal early in the second half, offering hope — but only briefly.

Another Tosin error killed the momentum. The defender hesitated in his own box, was robbed by Noah Okafor, and the chaos ended with Dominic Calvert-Lewin tapping in from close range. That was the final blow. A night of mistakes, missed opportunities, and mental lapses cost the Blues dearly.

Despite their heroic effort against Arsenal days earlier, Chelsea’s lack of physicality and defensive composure at Elland Road was alarming. A team chasing the title cannot afford performances this fragile. As it stands, they now sit nine points behind the league leaders and must regroup quickly.

Below is a quick look at the standout player ratings from the match:


Goalkeeper & Defence

Robert Sanchez — 5/10
Couldn’t do much about the goals. Made a few sharp saves but was unlucky with the third.

Trevoh Chalobah — 4/10
Decent blocks but struggled to contain Leeds’ movement.

Tosin Adarabioyo — 2/10
A nightmare outing. Two costly errors and little confidence on the ball.

Benoit Badiashile — 4/10
Uncomfortable and unsure. Substituted at halftime.

Marc Cucurella — 4/10
Roamed a lot but didn’t offer much end product.


Midfield

Andrey Santos — 5/10
Tried to progress play but often looked uncertain of his role.

Enzo Fernandez — 3/10
Poor touches, dispossessed for the second goal, and looked rattled throughout.

Joao Pedro — 4/10
Never really found his rhythm.


Attack

Estevao — 3/10
Direct but ineffective. Poor decision-making.

Liam Delap — 4/10
A quiet night and struggled to connect with teammates.

Jamie Gittens — 5/10
Wasteful early, but improved to assist Neto’s goal.


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