By Devine Ndukuba, Awka
The Super Falcons have sealed their place in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over defending champions South Africa on Tuesday evening, Bold Sports reports.
In a tense semifinal clash at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, goals from Rasheedat Ajibade and Michelle Alozie were enough to edge past Banyana Banyana and keep the Super Falcons’ dream of a record-extending 10th title alive.
Buoyed by their 5-0 victory in the semifinal, Nigeria began the game brightly, taking control of the early stages and creating a host of chances, but they failed to capitalise on their dominance. Despite their attacking intent, poor finishing and South Africa’s defensive discipline kept the score level.
South Africa, on the other hand, were content to absorb pressure and threaten on the counterattack, but Nigeria’s backline remained composed and organised, keeping their record of not conceding a single goal at the tournament intact.
The breakthrough eventually came just before halftime when the Super Falcons were awarded a penalty and Captain Rasheedat Ajibade stepped up and made no mistake from the spot, giving her side a deserved 1-0 lead heading into the break.
However, Nigeria’s advantage didn’t last. In the second half, a moment of recklessness saw Osinachi Ohale concede a penalty, and Linda Mothlalo scored from the resulting spot kick, drawing South Africa level close to the hour mark.
With Nigeria looking to regain their lead, head coach Justin Madugu turned to his bench in a bid to inject fresh energy into midfield. Christy Ucheibe replaced Jennifer Echegini, while Halimatu Ayinde later made way for Deborah Abiodun. Despite the changes, the Super Falcons were unable to find a winner.
Few minutes before the end of regulation time, the game was halted as South Africa’s Gabriela Salgado went down with what appeared to be a serious injury. The midfielder received immediate medical attention and was stretchered off the pitch, prompting visible concern from both sets of players and supporters inside the stadium.
With extra time looming, Deborah Abiodun emerged as the hero for the Super Falcons, scoring the winner to seal a dramatic 2-1 victory, sending the team into the final and ending South Africa’s title defense in heartbreak.
With victory secured, Nigeria will now wait for the result between West African rivals Ghana and hosts Morocco to determine who they will face in the final of the tournament.
