Super Falcons edge past South Africa to book a spot in the WAFCON 2024 final.
Michelle Alozie’s dramatic winner seals Nigeria’s return to the championship game after six years.
The Super Falcons of Nigeria are through to the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after edging past defending champions South Africa 2-1 in a pulsating semi-final clash on Tuesday.
In a match packed with drama and tension, Michelle Alozie emerged as the hero, scoring a stoppage-time winner to end South Africa’s title defense and send Nigeria into their first WAFCON final since 2018.
Rasheedat Ajibade had earlier put Nigeria ahead from the penalty spot in the 44th minute after a handball by a South African defender inside the box. The lead capped off a strong first-half showing by the Super Falcons, who had created several early chances but were denied by South Africa’s goalkeeper Andile Dlamini.
South Africa responded strongly after the break, pushing forward with greater urgency. Their pressure paid off in the 59th minute when Linda Motlhalo converted a penalty following a foul by Nigerian defender Osinachi Ohale.
The match seemed destined for extra time as both teams battled for a winner, but it was Alozie who delivered in the 94th minute. Her speculative long ball into the box caught Dlamini off-guard, and the ball bounced past the goalkeeper into the net, sealing a famous victory for Nigeria.
Statistically, South Africa edged possession with 55% compared to Nigeria’s 45%, and also led in pass accuracy with 73% against the Super Falcons’ 66%. However, Nigeria made their attacking chances count, registering seven shots on target to South Africa’s three.
The opening moments of the game set the tone, with Nigeria nearly capitalizing on a goalkeeper error just two minutes in. Esther Okoronkwo and Chiwendu Ihezuo also came close to scoring, while South Africa’s Jermaine Seoposenwe tested Chiamaka Nnadozie but couldn’t break through.
A series of injuries affected the rhythm of both sides. South Africa were forced into an early substitution as Tiisetso Makhubela limped off, and later in the second half, defender Gabriela Salgado suffered a serious leg injury and was stretchered off the field.
Despite the setbacks, both teams pushed hard, but it was the Super Falcons who displayed greater resilience and took their chance when it mattered most.
With this victory, Nigeria now awaits the winner of the second semi-final between hosts Morocco and Ghana’s Black Queens. The final is scheduled for Saturday, July 26.
The win moves Nigeria one step closer to securing a record-extending 10th WAFCON title, and their performance on Tuesday showed the blend of grit, experience, and quality that has long defined the continent’s most successful women’s football team.
