The Nigerian women’s national soccer team, known as the Super Falcons, pulled off a thrilling 2-1 win against South Africa on Tuesday evening to move into the final of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). This exciting semifinal match took place at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco.
This wasn’t just any game—it was a battle between two of the best women’s soccer teams in Africa, with a lot of history and pride at stake. Nigeria has already won the WAFCON nine times, more than any other team, while South Africa, known as Banyana Banyana, were the defending champions after winning the title in 2022.
Let’s break down what happened in this intense and action-packed match!
The Rivalry: Nigeria vs South Africa
Nigeria and South Africa are two of the strongest teams in African women’s soccer. Over the years, they’ve faced each other many times in major tournaments. Nigeria has historically been the stronger team, but South Africa has improved a lot in recent years, even winning their first WAFCON title just three years ago.
Whenever these two teams meet, it’s a big deal. Both teams came into this match in great form, with talented players and high confidence.
First Half: Nigeria Takes the Lead
The first half of the match saw Nigeria controlling most of the possession. That means they had the ball more often than South Africa and were creating more chances to score. But South Africa’s goalkeeper, Andile Dlamini, was in top form, making save after save to keep her team in the game.
Then, just before halftime, the match took a big turn. Nigerian striker Rasheedat Ajibade, who also serves as team captain, was involved in a key play. During a Nigerian attack, South African defender Bambanani Mbane was called for a handball inside the penalty box. That means the ball accidentally hit her arm or hand, which is against the rules in that area of the field.
The referee, Shamirah Nabadda from Uganda, immediately pointed to the penalty spot. That gave Nigeria a huge chance to score. Ajibade stepped up with confidence and scored the penalty, giving Nigeria a 1-0 lead just before the break.
Second Half: South Africa Fights Back
South Africa didn’t give up. Early in the second half, they began pressing harder, trying to equalize. Their efforts paid off around the 60th minute when Hildah Magaia was fouled inside the Nigerian penalty area by defender Osinachi Ohale. That meant another penalty—this time for South Africa.
Linda Motlhalo, one of South Africa’s top players, stepped up and calmly scored. Suddenly, the score was tied 1-1, and both teams knew that just one more goal could decide who went to the final.
The Winning Goal: Alozie’s Magic Moment
As the clock ticked down and it looked like the game might go to extra time, Nigeria found a hero.
With just a few minutes left in the match, Michelle Alozie, a defender who plays her club soccer for the Houston Dash in the U.S., stepped up in a big way. She got the ball from outside the box and launched a powerful shot toward the goal. The ball flew past the South African goalkeeper and into the net!
It was a stunning long-range goal and one of the best of the tournament so far. Nigeria was back in front with a 2-1 lead, and this time, they held on to it.
What’s Next?
With this win, Nigeria is now headed to the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which will be held on July 26th in Rabat, Morocco. They will face the winner of the other semifinal between Ghana and Morocco.
If Nigeria wins the final, they will earn their 10th WAFCON title, extending their record as the most successful team in the tournament’s history. Their last title came in 2018, and the team is now determined to bring the trophy home again.
Soccer Facts You Should Know!
Here are some cool soccer facts that help explain the game better:
Penalty Kick: A penalty is awarded when a foul or handball happens inside the defending team’s penalty area. The shot is taken from 12 yards (about 11 meters) away from the goal, and only the goalkeeper can try to stop it.
Possession: This means which team is controlling the ball more. In this match, Nigeria had more possession, meaning they were more dominant in the attack.
Long-range Goal: When a player scores from outside the penalty box (which is about 18 yards from goal), it’s called a long-range goal. Alozie’s goal was an amazing example!
WAFCON: The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is Africa’s biggest women’s soccer competition. It is held every two years and features the best national teams from across the continent.
Super Falcons: This is the nickname of the Nigerian women’s national team. They are known for being fast, strong, and very successful.
Banyana Banyana: This is the nickname of the South African women’s national team. It means “The Girls” in Zulu.
A Win for Team Spirit
What made this match extra special was the teamwork and determination both teams showed. Even after falling behind, South Africa fought back. And even after the score was tied, Nigeria didn’t give up. They stayed focused and found a way to win in the final moments.
The Super Falcons now have a chance to write history again by winning their 10th title. Whether you’re a soccer fan or new to the sport, this match showed how exciting and inspiring soccer can be.
Be sure to tune in to the final on July 26th—it’s going to be another thrilling match!
