By Victor Kanayo
Few days after the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) ended, Morocco has pushed their complaint against serial champions Nigeria.
In it, the country’s soccer body, Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), has officially submitted a petition to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), citing what it described as “refereeing injustices” during their final match versus Nigeria.
In a statement released after the dramatic 3-2 defeat at the Stade Olympique in Rabat, the FRMF expressed dismay over the referee’s failure to award a penalty in the 82nd minute when the score was tied at 2-2.
According to Morocco’s complaint, video footage appeared to show a handball by a Nigerian defender inside the box, but following a VAR review, the referee opted to let play continue, prompting immediate protests from Morocco’s bench and players.
The Moroccan federation argued that the controversial decision had a decisive impact on the outcome of the match, which Nigeria went on to win, claiming a record-extending 10th WAFCON title.
The match, played before a packed crowd in the Moroccan capital, was only the Atlas Lionesses’ second appearance in a WAFCON final.
Despite the disappointment, the team received royal commendation, with King Mohammed VI issuing a statement congratulating the players on their performance and commending the overall organisation of the tournament and the strong fan support throughout.
