WAFCON: Nigeria will stick together, fight for each other against Morocco – Ayinde

Nigeria women’s national team midfielder Halimatu Ayinde has revealed their plan to beat Morocco in the final of the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) at Olympic Stadium in Rabat, Morocco on Saturday.

The Super Falcons will be seeking to win their 10th crown having reached the final without losing a game.

“The experience has been great with the fact that we have been winning from the beginning. Everyone has been working really hard and making efforts to get the results. That’s a very good start for the team and has brought us to where we are now,” Ayinde told CAFOnline.com.

“I would say yes, we’ve changed the perception. During the last tournament, almost every Nigerian had written us off. But now that we are back, winning games and in the final, I think that has changed the narratives. We are back as the giant of Africa.”

She added: “Almost all the teams we have played are very technical. We won against them, but everything has been good. This final is not going to be different. We are going to stick together as a team and fight for each other.”

Ayinde took her time to credit coach Justin Madugu for the good run so far at the WAFCON by saying: “Every coach has their style. Randy was a good tactician who wanted to keep the ball and play around, but African football is not all about that. When you know your strengths, you have to use them. That is what Madugu is doing now, and it’s really paying off.

“The change is that he has carried everyone along and given everybody the opportunity to showcase themselves. That brings energy and positivity into the camp. He doesn’t just focus on his starting eleven—he brings others close, talks to and encourages them.”

The winners will pocket $1m (£743,000) in prize money as well as the new-look WAFCON trophy.