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Nigeria’s Super Falcons are bracing for their biggest test yet at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations as they prepare to take on South Africa in a blockbuster semifinal clash.
The encounter pits Nigeria, Africa’s most decorated women’s team, against the reigning champions. Both nations are unbeaten at this year’s tournament and have displayed ruthless efficiency in front of goal, setting the stage for a titanic showdown.
South Africa haven’t lost a WAFCON match in regulation time since 2018, a record Nigeria will have to break if they are to reach another final. So how might Coach Justin Madugu set up his team for this high-stakes battle?
No Debate in Goal
There is no competition for the gloves.
Chiamaka Nnadozie, twice named CAF’s African Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, has been in imperious form.
Chiamaka Nnadozie is having a stressless and amazing tournament
— Leagues Reporter (@LeaguesReporter) July 18, 2025
: 4 matches | 4 clear sheets. The most in the tournament. pic.twitter.com/zBXYpKBSyp
She has kept four clean sheets in as many games and is yet to concede a goal in Morocco. Her presence is such that most fans are unaware of who her backup is, a testament to her dominance.
Rock-Solid Backline
The defensive unit has been Nigeria’s unsung hero. There’s no reason to tinker with a back four that has looked nearly unbreachable.
Michelle Alozie continues to shine at right-back, while Osinachi Ohale and Tosin Demehin provide strength and aerial prowess at centre-back.
Oluwatosin Demehin appreciation tweet. Solid! pic.twitter.com/Qsgb0LjTCk
— Nigeria Football News (@NGfooty) July 18, 2025
Ashleigh Plumptre, whose tournament form earned her a place in CAF’s Best XI of the group stage, will slot in at left-back.
Midfield Dilemma
Nigeria’s midfield boasts enviable depth. Madugu often favours a three-woman unit, with Halimatu Ayinde likely to anchor the middle. Deborah Abiodun could partner her if he opts for a double pivot.
Asisat Oshoala and Rasheedat Ajibade model what seems to be the most beautiful Super Falcons jerseys in recent times ahead of Sunday’s match vs. Tunisia in the Women’s Cup of Nations. pic.twitter.com/HUtxb2XWtx
— Leagues Reporter (@LeaguesReporter) July 2, 2025
Rasheedat Ajibade, fresh off a two-assist display against Zambia, is undroppable, while Jennifer Echegini may retain her starting place. Christy Ucheibe and Toni Payne also offer quality, making selection a tactical headache.
Firing on All Fronts
The attack is Nigeria’s most competitive department. Chinwendu Ihezuo leads the scoring charts with three goals, Esther Okoronkwo has contributed one goal and four assists, and Folashade Ijamilusi impressed with her relentless pressing in the quarterfinals.
What a tournament it’s been for Esther Okoronkwo
— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) July 19, 2025
Impact in every game and the numbers say it all.#SoarSuperFalcons #MissionX #WAFCON2024 pic.twitter.com/fmgiB8pNuM
The trio combined brilliantly in the 5–0 rout of Zambia and may get the nod again. Asisat Oshoala, Chioma Okafor, and Francisca Ordega are in contention, but could be impact options from the bench.
Possible XI: Nnadozie; Alozie, Ohale, Demehin, Plumptre; Ayinde, Ajibade, Echegini; Ijamilusi, Ihezuo, Okoronkwo.
