Morocco and Nigeria will battle in the final of the 2018 African Nations Championship at Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca on Sunday night, kick-off at 10pm EAT.

Stakes are high for either side as they are both hungry to go on and lift the continental trophy, and both sides have been outstanding in the tournament that started  mid-last month.

Both teams will battle for the top prize, and this is the first time both teams have reached the final of the inaugural competition which is only open to players who play in their respective local leagues.

Morocco made their intention very clear after convincing opening victories before the semis where they needed extra time to overcome a resilient Libya 3-1 in their North African derby in Casablanca, while Nigeria edged Sudan 1-0 in a hard-fought clash in Marrakech.

Jamal Sellami’s men will be looking for inspiration from Ayoub El Kaabi, their dependable striker,who has now netted eight times in this Chan tournament.

“I’m fully confident of my team but we respect Nigeria because they are good that is why they made it to the finals,”Sellami said.

“El is leading us to the final and for him now is to show us tomorrow that he is a great striker. Harve Renard is here and he is looking at him because before the tournament many in Morocco don’t know about him,” he added.

“My final satisfaction will be to win the throphy tomorrow and we are prepared for that.”

Nigeria coach Salisu Yusuf says he is well aware of the threat poised by the hosts but his side is determined to do their best to become the forth winner of the tournament.

“Playing against the host who will have their fans behind them as the 12th player. It will be a good game because we all have been great and will have 11 players on each side,”Salisu said.

“We know they have great players who are very strong in the air and we will device a way to stop them. It has been a great tournament for us we have played in all venues and tomorrow we will have Casablanca added to it.

“I believe in every member of my players here because they’ve shown that they’re all ready if given the opportunity. We want to win because we deserve to be here,” he concluded.

The Moroccans and Nigerian supporters have also played a key role in the team’s success during the tournament.

Impressive Nigeria goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa and midfielder Sunday Faley will miss the final after they suffered injuries during the semis.

In previous twelve meetings, each side has claimed five wins, while two games have been drawn.