As anticipation builds for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final in Rabat, Morocco’s head coach, Jorge Vilda, has declared that his side is fully prepared to face Nigeria in what promises to be a historic showdown on Saturday night, Footynaija.com reports.
The Atlas Lionesses, hosting the delayed tournament on home soil, are chasing their first-ever continental title. Having edged Ghana on penalties in the semi-finals, Morocco now turn their attention to a much sterner test in Nigeria, a side that has only conceded once in the entire competition and are pushing for a record-extending tenth title.
Vilda, who took charge of the Moroccan women’s national team after a lengthy managerial career in Spain, believes his players are not only physically ready, but mentally wired to overcome the Super Falcons.
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“We have tried to use all available means to recover physical freshness,” he said in an interview posted by SNRTNews. “This includes the work of the physical trainer and the support staff. Tomorrow, we play our sixth match, and that was our goal when we began the tournament.”
The Spaniard stressed the importance of playing with both “spirit and body,” hinting at a psychological edge his team hopes to carry into the final. “A final is never played without fatigue,” he emphasised, “but I believe the mind always surpasses the physical.”
Morocco’s path to the final is similar to Nigeria’s, though the latter has better defence record. The hosts’ semi-final victory was also gritty, requiring composure and resilience—two qualities Vilda believes will be critical against a Nigeria side that knocked out defending champions South Africa.
“We feel the entire Moroccan people are behind us,” he said. “We made many Moroccans happy when we reached the final. The team is ready.”
