Nigeria’s Super Falcons are just 90 minutes away from reclaiming their continental throne after edging past South Africa 2–1 in a tension-soaked WAFCON semi-final on July 22, 2025, Footynaija.com reports.
Rasheedat Ajibade opened the scoring from the spot, Linda Motlhalo replied with a penalty of her own, before Michelle Alozie buried the tie deep into stoppage time with a winner that stunned the reigning champions.
The result booked Nigeria’s place in the WAFCON final for a record-extending time, ending Banyana Banyana’s title defence in heartbreaking fashion at Stade Larbi Zaouli, Casablanca.
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In this article, Footynaija.com takes you through five takeaways from the dramatic semi-final that exposed Nigeria’s growth, South Africa’s collapse, and a sign of where this squad is heading.
5. Alozie’s Redemption Arc is Real And Emotional
Michelle Alozie’s journey with the Super Falcons has come full circle. From a player questioned during WAFCON 2022 to the one who scored the match-winner that sank the defending champions, her 94th-minute goal was a moment of reckoning.
She bombed forward from right-back, picked her spot, and let fly with a finish that silenced South Africa and sent Nigeria to the final. It was her first-ever competitive goal for the Falcons, and what a time to deliver it!
4. Ajibade’s Composure from the Spot
When the referee pointed to the spot in the 44th minute, there was a pause in the air. With the weight of the nation and the noise of the crowd, Ajibade stepped up and scored. She deservedly won the Woman of the Match Award after the clash.
3. Nnadozie’s Record Finally Breached, But She’s Still Bossing It
Before the semi-final, Chiamaka Nnadozie had gone four straight games without conceding. But Linda Motlhalo’s penalty finally beat her, ending Nigeria’s perfect defensive record in the tournament. Still, Nnadozie was solid across the 90 minutes, commanding her box and keeping Nigeria calm when South Africa tried to press. Even in concession, she looked in control.
2. Nigeria Showed Grit When It Mattered Most
The Super Falcons have now beaten four different teams in five games: Tunisia, Botswana, Algeria, Zambia (5–0), and South Africa, conceding just once. But what stood out in the semi-final wasn’t the technical ability, it was grit.
After being pegged back at 1–1, they did not drop their heads. Coach Justin Madugu didn’t panic either. Instead, the team kept probing, stayed aggressive, and when the moment came, Alozie pounced.
1. Not The Result South Africa Expected, And Nigeria Look Stronger Than Ever
Desiree Ellis’ South Africa were the defending champions, and many tipped them to edge Nigeria like in WAFCON 2022. But on this night, Nigeria showed they had learned their lesson.
They pressed with intensity, defended with unity, and most importantly, played with belief. This was a psychological win as much as it was tactical. Now, with momentum on their side, Nigeria march into the final as the favourites.
Nigeria will face the winner of Ghana vs Morocco in the final on July 27, chasing their 10th WAFCON title. South Africa, meanwhile, will slug it out in the third-place match on July 25.
