The Super Falcons of Nigeria have booked their place in the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a dramatic 2-1 victory over defending champions South Africa, thanks to a stunning late goal by defender Mitchel Alozie.
In what was billed as a titanic semifinal clash between nine-time champions Nigeria and reigning title holders South Africa (Banyana Banyana), the match lived up to its billing, with end-to-end action and relentless intensity throughout the 90 minutes.
With the match seemingly heading into extra time and both sides showing signs of fatigue, especially the Nigerian team, Alozie produced a moment of brilliance. Her long-range ball into the South African box sailed past everyone, including the tournament’s top goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, and nestled into the back of the net—sending Nigerian fans into wild celebration.
The goal proved to be the match-winner and effectively ended South Africa’s hopes of defending the title they won in Morocco in 2023.
With this win, Nigeria advance to the WAFCON final, where they will face the winner of the second semifinal between hosts Morocco and Ghana’s Black Queens.
