Nigeria’s Super Falcons are through to the final of the 2025 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after edging out arch-rivals South Africa 2–1 in a tense and thrilling semi-final on Tuesday evening at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.
With the match tied and drifting toward extra time, it was Michelle Alozie who delivered the decisive blow—a spectacular long-range effort deep into stoppage time that secured Nigeria’s place in the final and kept alive their dream of a record-extending 10th WAFCON title.
The victory was not just a win; it was a statement—a reclaiming of supremacy over a resurgent South African side that had defeated Nigeria in the opening game of the last edition in 2022.
Ajibade Opens the Door, South Africa Responds
The match had all the ingredients of a modern African football classic: history, pride, drama—and two of the continent’s fiercest rivals on the same pitch.
Nigeria started on the front foot, with a disciplined high press and swift transitions led by Rasheedat Ajibade, Chinwendu Ihezuo, and Alozie. The breakthrough came just before half-time. After a handball by South Africa’s Bambanani Mbane inside the box, the referee pointed to the spot. Ajibade stepped up and calmly sent Andile Dlamini the wrong way to put Nigeria 1-0 ahead in the 44th minute.
It was a deserved lead for the Super Falcons, who had controlled much of the first half, cutting through South Africa’s lines with pace and precision.
But the defending champions weren’t going down without a fight. Just past the hour mark, Nigeria’s Osinachi Ohale was adjudged to have brought down Hildah Magaia inside the area. South Africa’s Linda Motlhalo converted the resulting penalty, drawing the score level and injecting tension into the already charged atmosphere.
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Alozie’s Magic Moment
With the match approaching full time and extra time looming, both sides began to tire. Injuries and yellow cards disrupted the rhythm, but Nigeria refused to be shaken.
Then came the moment of brilliance.
In the 94th minute, as South Africa retreated to see out the game, Michelle Alozie picked up the ball more than 30 yards from goal. With space ahead of her, the right-back unleashed a curling strike that soared past Dlamini and into the net. It was a goal worthy of a final—an unstoppable shot that turned the stadium on its head and ignited wild celebrations among the Nigerian players and fans.
For Alozie, who has quietly been one of the tournament’s most consistent performers, it was a reward for her tireless efforts down the flank throughout the competition.
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Mission X: One Step Away
With this win, Nigeria continue their unbeaten run in Morocco and now stand just one match away from completing “Mission X”—the pursuit of their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.
The Super Falcons will face either hosts Morocco or Ghana in Saturday’s final in Rabat. Regardless of the opponent, this Nigerian team—built on a mix of experience, youth, and undeniable grit—will enter the final with momentum and belief firmly on their side.
Head coach Randy Waldrum has found a winning formula. The likes of Ajibade, Alozie, Okoronkwo, and Ihezuo have all delivered when it matters, while the defence, anchored by Ohale and Ashleigh Plumptre, has shown remarkable resilience.
South Africa, who won the title in 2022, will now look to regroup for the third-place playoff. But for Nigeria, all focus shifts to Saturday.