Danger women: Meet the four Atlas Lionesses players Super Falcons must contain in Wafcon final

Nigeria’s Super Falcons are set to clash with Morocco's Atlas Lionesses in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Olympic Annex Stadium in Rabat. 

As the nine-time champions aim for a historic 10th title, dubbed “Mission X,” they must be wary of Morocco’s dynamic squad. 

Here are four key Atlas Lionesses players the Super Falcons should closely monitor.

Ghizlane Chebbak: The 35-year-old captain and midfield maestro is Morocco’s heartbeat. 

Joint-top scorer with four goals, including a hat-trick against DR Congo, Chebbak’s vision, positioning, and clinical finishing make her a constant threat. 

Her late equalizer against Zambia and leadership in high-pressure moments highlight her danger. Nigeria’s midfield, led by Rasheedat Ajibade, must stifle her creativity to disrupt Morocco’s rhythm.

Ibtissam Jraïdi: The 32-year-old striker has been a pivotal force, netting three goals in the tournament. 

Her tap-in against Mali and penalty conversion showcased her poaching instincts and composure. 

Jraïdi’s ability to exploit defensive gaps, combined with her synergy with wingers like Sakina Ouzraoui, poses a significant challenge for Nigeria’s resolute backline, including Chiamaka Nnadozie and Osinachi Ohale.

Sanaa Mssoudy: The 25-year-old winger brings flair and unpredictability. 

Named the best player in the Moroccan top flight and African Women’s Champions League in 2024, Mssoudy’s trickery and vision were evident in her assist for Jraïdi’s goal against Mali. 

Though less prolific this tournament, her ability to unlock defenses could test Nigeria’s full-backs, Michelle Alozie and Ashleigh Plumptre.

Yasmin Mrabet: The 25-year-old midfielder complements Chebbak with her technical brilliance and goal-scoring prowess, contributing three of Morocco’s 11 goals. 

Her forward runs expose defensive gaps, but her attacking style sometimes leaves Morocco’s backline vulnerable—a potential opportunity for Nigeria’s pacey forwards like Esther Okoronkwo.

Morocco, coached by World Cup winner Jorge Vilda, has scored 11 goals but conceded six, revealing defensive frailties.

Nigeria’s balanced attack, with eight different scorers give them an edge. However, the Atlas Lionesses’ home crowd and ambition to claim their first WAFCON title make them formidable. 

The Super Falcons must neutralize these key players to secure victory.

Wale Adejumo

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