WAFCON2024: Alozie’s Last-Gasp Stunner Powers Nigeria Past South Africa, to Face Morocco in Final

The Super Falcons of Nigeria overcame yet another tough test to advance to the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the tenth time, following a 2-1 victory over defending champions South Africa on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco.

Any knockout game involving Nigeria was tagged a final before the final, all thanks to their staggering pedigree and form. First, it was the quarterfinal match against Zambia which turned out to be a one-sided affair, dominated by Nigeria. Then the semi-final match vs South Africa lived up to the hype. On both occasions, Nigeria emerged victorious, ultimately booking a place in the actual final.

The semi-final clash between Nigeria and South Africa was a very highly anticipated one. Nigeria, nine-time champions, up against holders South Africa, who would not expect fireworks? With the expectations higher than ever, both Nations did not falter in their task to produce a competitive and semi-final worthy performance.

The game saw end-to-end action, with the South Africans maintaining their possession-based style, holding on to their press and making it difficult for the West Africans to break away. Nonetheless, Nigeria kept applying pressure on the attack but was repeatedly met with goalkeeper Andile Dlamini’s gloves and a rigid defence, until they were not.

How it happened

In the second minute, a free kick was awarded to South Africa after a foul but it was fruitless. Two minutes later, Nigeria had a glaring chance. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade doing what she knows best sent a fine ball in for Esther Okoronkwo who masterfully controlled the ball with her chest to her feet and crossed to Jennifer Echegini who could not find the finish.

Nigeria came close again through forward Chinwendu Ihezuo, in the top scorer’s race with three goals, but saw her effort tipped over the sticks by the veteran goalkeeper Andile Dlamini.

The Super Falcons kept piling the pressure as the Magnificent duo Okoronkwo and Ihezuo efforts were stifled in the 11th minute. Nigeria had scrambled for a goal to take advantage of the scruffy and unsettled Banyana Banyana’s defence but to no avail.

The breakthrough

Nigeria finally saw their pressure rewarded after South Africa’s Bambanani Mbane player handled the ball in the 18-yard box, trying to fend off a ball struck by Folasade Ijamilusi, leading to a penalty kick. Captain Ajibade, who had scored the penalty goal that separated both teams in their final Paris 2024 Olympics qualifying fixture last year, stepped forward and put the ball calmly into the net.

Nigeria took the lead into the half, and made an attempt to stretch the lead when Michelle Alozie controlled the ball beautifully and passed to Okoronkwo whose shot fell into the goalkeeper’s hands. Nigeria’s lead was snatched in the 56th minute when defender Osinachi Ohale pulled the shirt of South African forward Dhlamini in the box, gifting the Banyana Banyana a penalty. Midfielder Linda Motlhalo stepped to the line and struck the ball past two-time CAF Women’s goalkeeper of the year Chiamaka Nnadozie.

The Pressure

The title-holders stepped on the throttle and nearly got another goal as substitute Cesane connected a brilliant pull-out past Nnadozie, but Ohale was in the right place to save the day for the nine-time champions.

Five minutes later, Banyana found their way to the front again, and Jermaine Seoposenwe’s floated ball rose narrowly over the sticks on the Nigerian side.

The Scare

Towards the end of the match, South African defender Gabriela Salgado went down injured and all the players were visibly scared. Salgado was taken off the pitch holding her face, but had a standing ovation and chants from the spectators including the Nigerians.

The Climax

As the match neared its end, both teams were preparing for extra time. However, in added time, Michelle Alozie’s lofted ball from the Nigerian defence went untouched and straight into the Banyana net for a stunning game-winner.

The victory is the Super Falcons’ first over the Banyana in the Africa Cup of Nations in the three tournaments, with the South Africans having won group stage matches in 2018 and 2022 with 1-0 and 2-1 scorelines respectively.

The final set!

In the second semi-final, Hosts Morocco edged out Ghana 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in 120 minutes, to set up a blockbuster clash with nine-time champions Nigeria.

The Atlas Lionesses who are making their second consecutive final appearance, will face off against the Super Falcons on Saturday, July 26 at 9pm in Rabat.

Revenge or Not?

Nigeria, currently unbeaten in the tournament, would be looking to exert revenge against Morocco for the 2022 WAFCON Semi-final where the North Africans knocked out the West African side, winning 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.