As the excitement mounts for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final in Rabat, Morocco, their coach, Jorge Vilda, has stated his team is ready to take on Nigeria in what’s expected to be a memorable match on Saturday night, Julie Sports 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.
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 campaign has been far from easy. They opened with a draw against Zambia, dropped points against Senegal, but found their rhythm in the knockouts.
Their semi-final victory was 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.
SPORT DESK; Uko Sam, FRCN, Uyo
