WAFCON2024: Nigeria vs South Africa Semi-final Preview

Nine-time Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Champions Nigeria will take on defending Champions South Africa in a blockbuster semi-final clash on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco at 5pm.

Nigeria who are in hot pursuit of a historic 10th WAFCON title, reached the semi-final following a demolition of Zambia and awaited their semi-final opponent between South Africa and Senegal. South Africa who are aiming for a title defence, overcame an intense battle which led to a goalless draw in regulation time and saw penalties ensue. In the penalty kick-off, the Banyana Banyana won 4-1, setting up the clash with the Super Falcons.

Head to Head:

Nigeria and South Africa have a lot of history. This will be the 30th time both nations lock horns, but the 13th on the WAFCON stage. Nigeria has won 19 meetings, South Africa has won four and both sides have shared the spoils on six occasions. Nigeria got the better of South Africa in the WAFCON final in 2000 and 2018, but in their most recent meeting, the Desiree Ellis-led side triumphed 2-1 in the group stage three years ago.

As of this year’s edition, Nigeria, making their 13th semifinal appearance, has a superior attack with nine goals scored and a stronger defense, having conceded none. South Africa follows closely, having scored seven goals and conceded one..

Style of Play, Strengths, Weaknesses:

Nigeria’s defensive discipline will be a major factor in this clash, as will their ability to make good of set pieces and aerial balls. They would also need to lean into the killer instinct and precision found against Zambia, and bury any chance they get. Against Zambia, Nigeria had five different goal scorers, a testament that they are not dependent on one channel for goals.

Goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Hildah Magaia, and Lebogang Ramalepe are all pivotal parts of the Banyana Banyana’s set-up. They are incredibly capable of turning the game on its head. South Africa has trusted their formerly fruitless but now productive possession-heavy style. They are technical, fluid and could also punish oppenents from set pieces.

Just like Nigeria, their goalscoring chart is not dominated by one name. They have, across four games, spread the goals, with no less than seven players scoring at least once at the tournament, which compared to the Zambian team Nigeria battered, makes it tricky to neutralise.

Road to the semis:

Nigeria

Group stage game 1: 3-0 victory over Tunisia. Goals from Asisat Oshoala in the fourth minute, Rinsola Babajide in 45+2′ and Chinwendu Ihezuo in the 84th.

Group stage game 2: 1-0 win against Botswana. The lone goal was scored in the 87th minute by Chinwendu Ihezuo.

Group stage game 3: 0-0 against Algeria.

Quarter-Final: 5-0 victory against Zambia. Goals from Osinachi Ohale in the second minute, Esther Okoronkwo in the 33rd, Chinwendu Ihezuo in the 45th, Tosin Demehin in the 68th and Folashade Ijamilusi 90+1 minute.

South Africa

Group stage game 1: 2-0 victory against Ghana. Goals from Linda Motlhalo in the 28th and Jermaine Seoposenwe in the 34th.

Group stage game 2: 1-1 draw against Tanzania. Lone goal from Bambanani Mbane in the 70th minute.

Group stage game 3: 4-0 win vs Mali. Goals from Lebohang Ramalepe in the fifth, Refiloe Jane in the 32nd, Hildah Magaia in the 61st and Ronnel Donnelly in the 79th minute.

Quarter-Final: Goalless in regulation time.

Words from the camp:

Nigeria, Coach Justine Madugu: ” Preparations are good, the girls are in high spirits. “This is not just another semifinal game — it’s a clash of champions. We respect South Africa’s quality, but we believe in our preparation and our players. We want to show the strength of Nigerian football once again.”

South Africa, coach Desiree Ellis:

“Facing Nigeria is always tough, but we’re not afraid of big games. We know what it takes to win at this level. This team has heart, experience, and belief and we are ready to defend our title.”

South Africa have had 24 hours less to recover from their stretched game against Senegal – as well as travelling west from the city of Berkane. However, Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis says her players will not use that as an excuse.

“One hundred and 20 minutes with a day less to prepare, with a day to travel, takes a lot out of you.”But I don’t have enough words to describe this team: the resilience, the courage, the never-say-die attitude, the willingness to fight for each other.”

The encounter promises to set off fireworks. Will the nine-time champions win and continue their pursuit of a historic 10th? Or will the defending champions stand their ground and have a leg in on a title defence?