Hosts Morocco have been on an all-time high at the 2022 WAFCON, but they should finally be brought down to earth tonight when they come up against nine-time champions the Super Falcons of Nigeria.
Kick-off time is 9pm in Nigeria.
Atlas Lionesses of Morocco have already hit the milestone of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in their history.
Guided by the famous coach Reynald Pedros, who led Lyon to conquer Europe twice, they have been the biggest revelation of the WAFCON.
This is a fitting reward for 10 years of massive investment in women’s football by the North African kingdom.
However, the host nation will not exactly relish meeting the Super Falcons, who drubbed them 8-0 in an opening match of the 1998 WAFCON hosted by Nigeria.
They suffered another thrashing – 6-0 – at the hands of the reigning champions at the 2000 WAFCON.
“Nigeria are the strongest team in Africa and we know their strength,” coach Pedros said.
“We need to do our best and we are prepared for the game.
“We have positive ideas and we will focus until we reach the final.”
The Super Falcons have all 24 squad players available for selection as they stay on course for a record-extending 10th WAFCON crown with forward Rasheedat Ajibade hitting top form when it counts the most.
‘The girl with the blue hair’ is the tournament’s leading scorer with three goals and as many assists thus far.