Nigeria’s Super Falcons booked their place in the final of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a dramatic 2–1 victory over arch-rivals South Africa in a thrilling semi-final clash on Tuesday evening.
Billed as a “final before the final,” the encounter lived up to its hype, delivering high drama, end-to-end action, and moments of individual brilliance.
Rasheedat Ajibade and Michelle Alozie were the heroines for Nigeria, scoring on either side of a Linda Motlhalo penalty to avenge their 2022 loss to Banyana Banyana and move one step closer to a record-extending 10th continental crown.
Ajibade gave Nigeria the lead just before halftime, calmly converting from the penalty spot after a handball by South Africa’s Bambanani Mbane.
The goal capped a dominant first-half display by the Super Falcons, who controlled the tempo with disciplined defending and quick transitions. Michelle Alozie and Chinwendu Ihezuo were constant threats in attack.
South Africa, the reigning champions, came out with renewed purpose in the second half and were rewarded in the 60th minute.
Hildah Magaia was brought down in the box by Nigerian defender Osinachi Ohale, prompting the referee to point to the spot. Motlhalo stepped up and confidently slotted home to level the scores, shifting the momentum briefly in South Africa’s favour.
With extra time looming, Nigeria found a moment of magic deep into stoppage time, Alozie unleashed a stunning 35-yard strike that swerved past goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, sending the Stade Larbi Zaouli into a frenzy and sealing a famous win for the Super Falcons.
The closing stages were tense, with tempers flaring, yellow cards issued, and injuries mounting. Ihezuo had to be stretchered off after a collision, but Nigeria held their nerve through nine minutes of added time to secure the hard-fought victory.
Unbeaten throughout the tournament, Nigeria will now head into the final in Rabat with renewed belief and determination to reclaim their crown.
South Africa, meanwhile, will have to settle for a place in the third-place playoff as their title defence ends in heartbreak.