By Prosper Mene
Nigeria’s Super Falcons have secured their place in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a thrilling 2-1 victory over defending champions South Africa at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
The hard-fought semi-final win keeps alive Nigeria’s “Mission X,” their quest for a record-extending 10th continental title.The match was a tense affair, with both sides showcasing their strength in a clash befitting a final. The Super Falcons struck first just before halftime when captain Rasheedat Ajibade calmly converted a penalty in the 45th minute, following a handball by South Africa’s Bambanani Mbane. The goal sent Nigeria into the break with a 1-0 lead, buoyed by their dominant first-half display.South Africa, known as Banyana Banyana, responded in the second half, leveling the score in the 60th minute through a penalty by Linda Motlhalo after Osinachi Ohale was penalized for a foul in the box. The equalizer shifted momentum, and with the game seemingly headed for extra time, the Super Falcons found a moment of magic in stoppage time. Defender Michelle Alozie unleashed a stunning 35-yard strike in the 94th minute, catching South Africa’s goalkeeper Andile Dlamini off guard, causing wild celebrations among Nigerian fans and players.The victory marks Nigeria’s first WAFCON final appearance since 2018 and sets up a highly anticipated showdown with host nation Morocco, who defeated Ghana 4-2 on penalties in the other semi-final. The final, scheduled for July 26 at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, promises to be a blockbuster, with Nigeria seeking redemption after losing to Morocco in a penalty shootout in the 2022 semi-finals.
Coach Justine Madugu praised his team’s resilience, stating, “We knew Banyana Banyana would be tough, but our tactics paid off. The girls showed incredible determination, and we’re ready to make history in Rabat.”
The Super Falcons’ journey to the final has been marked by dominance, with a 5-0 thrashing of Zambia in the quarter-finals and an unbeaten record in the tournament, scoring nine goals without conceding until Motlhalo’s penalty. Their blend of experienced stars like Ajibade and emerging talents like Esther Okoronkwo has made them a formidable force.
President Bola Tinubu joined the chorus of praise, posting on X, “Congratulations to our Super Falcons! Your incredible #WAFCON2025 semi-final victory over South Africa was nothing short of superlative.” First Lady Oluremi Tinubu also hailed the team, noting, “This win is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we believe in ourselves and stand together.”
As Nigeria prepares to face Morocco, the Super Falcons are fueled by their “Mission X” campaign, a rallying cry for their pursuit of a historic 10th WAFCON title. With a new trophy and a $1,000,000 prize at stake, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 WAFCON.
