Nigeria’s Super Falcons have advanced to the final of the ongoing 2024 Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) following a 2-1 victory over their arch-rivals, South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, on Tuesday in Casablanca, Morocco.
A late goal from defender Michelle Alozie, struck from long range, propelled the nine-time African champions into the final and kept their hopes alive for a tenth continental title.
Nigeria drew first blood from the penalty spot, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade converting in the first half, before Linda Motlhalo equalised for South Africa from the spot in the second half.
Both teams fought tactically in the middle and other stretches of the park, with sets of players stifling one other at crucial moments. Nigeria came close after only eight minutes but forward Chinwendu Ihezuo, in the top scorer’s race with three goals, saw her effort tipped over the sticks by the veteran goalkeeper Andile Dlamini.
Victory meant the Super Falcons’ first win over the Banyana in the Africa Cup of Nations in the three tournaments, with the South Africans having won group stages matches in 2018 and 2022 with 1-0 and 2-1 score-lines respectively.
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed the team’s thrilling victory over South Africa, describing it as “nothing short of superlative.”
In a post on his X handle shortly after the team’s hard-fought win on Tuesday, President Tinubu praised the players for their grit, talent, and display of what he called “the indomitable Nigerian spirit.”
“Congratulations to our Super Falcons! Your incredible #WAFCON2025 semi-finals victory over South Africa today was nothing short of superlative,” Tinubu said. “It was a magnificent display of grit, talent, and the indomitable Nigerian spirit.”
The President commended the players for making the nation proud and charged them to maintain their momentum as they head into the final.
“You have made the nation proud. Keep soaring. Don’t stop until you bring the trophy home. Go for our 10th title,” he said, referencing Nigeria’s ambition to extend its record with a tenth WAFCON title.
President Tinubu also expressed confidence in the team’s ability to go all the way, saying Nigerians across the world are fully behind them.
“Nigerians worldwide are rooting for you. We are waiting to receive the cup,” he added.
The Super Falcons defeated the Banyana Banyana of South Africa 2-1in a tense semi-final encounter, continuing their dominant run in the tournament and setting up a highly anticipated final match.
Nigeria, nine-time champions of the tournament, will be aiming to reclaim the title after missing out in the last edition. The final will mark yet another chapter in the Falcons’ storied history as Africa’s most successful women’s football team.
The President signed off his message with a show of personal support: “From your President, PBAT.”
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