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Nigeria Defeats South Africa to Reach WAFCON 2024 Final in Dramatic Semi-Final Clash

Posted : 23 July 2025

Nigeria booked their place in the final of the 13th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after edging past South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in a fiercely contested semi-final that served as sweet revenge for previous defeats. The match, held in Casablanca, was marked by tactical intensity and late drama, culminating in a stunning stoppage-time winner from defender Michelle Alozie.

 

The Super Falcons created early pressure, nearly opening the scoring in the eighth minute when Chinwendu Ihezuo forced a save from veteran goalkeeper Andile Dlamini. Nigeria continued to press, with Esther Okoronkwo and Ihezuo again denied moments later, but South Africa remained resilient. The game evolved into a midfield battle, with both sides stifling each other's rhythm.

 

In the 44th minute, South Africa missed a key opportunity before Nigeria responded swiftly. A handball by defender Bambanani Mbane following Folasade Ijamilusi’s effort led to a penalty, calmly converted by captain Rasheedat Ajibade—mirroring her winning penalty against South Africa in their Paris 2024 Olympic qualifier.

 

Early in the second half, Dlamini dropped a cross from Ajibade, but Nigeria couldn’t capitalise. Then, in the 56th minute, South Africa were awarded a penalty after Osinachi Ohale fouled Jermaine Seoposenwe in the box. Linda Motlhalo stepped up and made no mistake, levelling the score.

 

South Africa came close again shortly after, with substitute Cesane nearly finding the net, but Ohale was well-positioned to block. Seoposenwe then narrowly missed with a lofted attempt as the Banyana pushed forward.

 

Tensions ran high near the end, especially after defender Gabriela Salgado suffered a facial injury and had to be stretchered off. Just as the match seemed destined for extra time, Alozie launched a long ball from deep in defence. With confusion between Dlamini and her defenders, the ball slipped through untouched, giving Nigeria a dramatic 2-1 victory.

 

The win was Nigeria’s first over South Africa in their last three WAFCON meetings, following group-stage losses in 2018 and 2022. The Super Falcons will now contest the final, hoping to reclaim their dominance on the continent.

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