The Super Falcons of Nigeria have sealed their place in the final of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, following a dramatic 2-1 victory over South Africa on Tuesday, capped by a stoppage-time winner from defender Michelle Alozie.
In a semifinal clash befitting two African powerhouses, Nigeria and defending champions South Africa battled fiercely in a tightly contested encounter that looked destined for extra time. But Alozie had other ideas.
With just seconds left on the clock, the Houston Dash star launched a hopeful ball into the South African box, which evaded everyone including the goalkeeper and dropped into the net, silencing the Banyana Banyana defence and igniting wild celebrations in the Nigerian camp.
The match, played in front of a roaring crowd, was packed with intensity and drama from the first whistle. Nigeria took early control, nearly breaking the deadlock with a flurry of attacks. A goal-line clearance and two brilliant saves from South Africa’s keeper kept the Falcons at bay.
The breakthrough came in the 44th minute. After Folashade Ijamilusi’s cross was handled in the box by a South African defender, the referee pointed to the spot. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade stepped up and coolly converted the penalty to give Nigeria a deserved lead heading into the break.
South Africa responded with urgency in the second half, piling pressure on Nigeria’s backline. Their persistence paid off in the 56th minute when Osinachi Ohale was adjudged to have pulled down an attacker in the area. Linda Motlhalo made no mistake from the spot, leveling the tie at 1-1.
Both sides made substitutions in search of a winner, with the game hanging in the balance. As the clock ticked into added time, the intensity soared. Then came the decisive moment Alozie’s speculative delivery turned game-winner, shocking the South Africans and sending Nigeria through.
