WAFCON 2024: Nigeria Falcons beat South Africa 2-1 to reach Final; Tinubu says victory superlative

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have advanced to the finals of the ongoing 2024 Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) following a 2-1 victory over South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in Casablanca, Morocco today.

A late goal from defender Michelle Alozie, struck from long range, propelled the nine-time African champions into the final and kept their hopes alive for a tenth continental title.

Nigeria drew first blood from the penalty spot, with Captain Rasheedat Ajibade converting in the first half, before Linda Motlhalo equalised for South Africa from the spot in the second half.

The match kicked off with high intensity, as Nigeria fired the first warning shot within the opening five minutes, prompting Andile Dlamini to make an early save.

Banyana Banyana regained possession and won a set-piece after Jermaine Seoposenwe was fouled.

Karabo Dhlamini delivered the ball to Seoposenwe, whose header was comfortably saved by the Nigerian goalkeeper.

The Super Falcons continued their assault on the Banyana goal through Ihezuo Chinwendu, but Dlamini was again up to the task, thwarting their efforts.

The South Africans could have broken the deadlock in the 18th minute when Refiloe Jane connected with Seoposenwe, but the latter’s final touch was not troubling for the Nigerian keeper.

Lebohang Ramalepe attempted a long-range shot, seeing Chiamaka Nnadozie off her line, but missed the target as the ball sailed over the net.

Magaia, who came on as a substitute for the injured Tiisetso Makhubela, had a chance four minutes later, but her effort went wide.

Nigeria had the final say of the half, winning a penalty after Bambanani Mbane handled the ball in her box. Ajibade converted the change, giving her side a 1-0 lead at halftime.

Banyana faced early pressure in the second half from Ajibade, and although Dlamini spilled a catch, Fikile Magama managed to clear the ball off the goal line.

In the 50th minute, Linda Motlhalo attempted a long-range effort, but it failed to trouble Nnadozie.

Nine minutes later, Banyana won a penalty after Magaia was brought down in the box. Motlhalo stepped up and equalised for the defending champions.

Seoposenwe connected with Noxolo Cesane in the 73rd minute, but the latter’s effort was blocked. Gabriela Salgado suffered a serious injury and was stretchered off the pitch in the dying moments of the match.

Nigeria stole the headlines in injury time through Alozie to advance to the final of the tournament.

President Bola Tinubu has hailed the Super Falcons’ thrilling victory describing it as “nothing short of superlative.”

In a post on his X handle shortly after the team’s hard-fought win on Tuesday, President Tinubu praised the players for their grit, talent, and display of what he called “the indomitable Nigerian spirit.”

“Congratulations to our Super Falcons! Your incredible #WAFCON2025 semi-finals victory over South Africa today was nothing short of superlative,” Tinubu said. “It was a magnificent display of grit, talent, and the indomitable Nigerian spirit.”

The President commended the players for making the nation proud and charged them to maintain their momentum as they head into the final.

“You have made the nation proud. Keep soaring. Don’t stop until you bring the trophy home. Go for our 10th title,” he said, referencing Nigeria’s ambition to extend its record with a tenth WAFCON title.

He also expressed confidence in the team’s ability to go all the way, saying Nigerians across the world are fully behind them.

“Nigerians worldwide are rooting for you. We are waiting to receive the cup,” he added.