Nigeria’s senior women’s national football team, the Super Falcons, have booked their place in the final of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), following a hard-fought 2-1 victory over arch-rivals South Africa in a thrilling semi-final clash today.
The match, played at the Mohamed V Stadium in Casablanca, lived up to its billing as a clash of continental titans. The Falcons took the lead in the first half through team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who calmly slotted home a penalty to put Nigeria 1-0 ahead going into the break.
South Africa responded early in the second half, as Linda Mothlalo converted from the spot in the 59th minute to level the score for Banyana Banyana. Both teams battled fiercely for control in a pulsating second half, with chances coming at both ends.
Just when it seemed the match would head into extra time, the Super Falcons produced a dramatic late winner. In the fourth minute of added time (90+4′), defender Michelle Alozie launched a long ball into South Africa’s half, which sailed over the goalkeeper and found the back of the net, sparking wild celebrations among the Nigerian contingent.
Rasheedat Ajibade, whose leadership and performance were instrumental throughout the game, was deservedly named the TotalEnergies Woman of the Match for her outstanding display.
The victory sends Nigeria into yet another WAFCON final as they chase their 12th continental title. The Super Falcons remain the most successful team in the history of the tournament and are now one win away from extending their dominance on African soil.
The Super Falcons will face the winner of the other semi-final between hosts Morocco and Ghana.