Morocco head coach Jorge Vilda says his team are mentally prepared to end the Super Falcons of Nigeria quest for a record-extending tenth Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title when both sides face off in Saturday’s final.
Morocco, hosts of this year’s tournament, are chasing a maiden continental title, and in Vilda, they boast a manager with proven success on the global stage.
The 44-year-old Spaniard led his country to the FIFA Women’s World Cup title in 2023 and has also enjoyed success with Spain’s youth teams at U17 and U19 levels.
Now tasked with leading the Atlas Lionesses to glory, Vilda believes his team’s mental resilience can make the difference.
Jorge Vilda. Photo Credit: Getty Images
“They are a psychologically strong team and I’ve been very proud of the way we never give up,” Vilda said at the pre-match press conference.
“We have overcome some sticky situations up to now. The champions are the players who have helped us to reach our objectives.”
Morocco came close in 2022, reaching the WAFCON final before losing to South Africa. But under Vilda, there is renewed confidence that the team can go one step further.
Standing in their way are the Super Falcons of Nigeria, who knocked out defending champions South Africa in the semi-finals with a 2-1 win.
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Nigeria remain unbeaten in WAFCON finals and are bidding to lift their 10th title more than any other African nation.
The Super Falcons have combined attacking flair with defensive solidity in this tournament, scoring 11 goals and conceding only once, a penalty converted by South Africa’s Linda Motlhalo.
Osinachi Ohale celebrating Super Falcons first goal against Zambia in 2024 Wafcon quarter finals. Photo Credit: Justina Aniefiok
Still, Vilda insists his team will approach the clash without fear.
“The psychological aspect overrides the physical one in games like this,” he said.
“Nigeria has strong physical players with very outstanding players in terms of their individual qualities. They play in big leagues and have won the trophy many times.
Sakina Ouzraoui celebrating her equaliser for Morocco against Ghana. Photo Credit: CAF
“Nigeria have shown a lot of improvement through the tournament and overcome some very difficult teams, but we are going to face them without any inferiority complex.”
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The final will take place at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, where Morocco will look to harness the energy of a home crowd to achieve what would be the most significant moment in the nation’s women’s football history.
