Super Falcons soar to WAFCON final with late win over Banyana Banyana

…As Michelle Alozie’s magic Seals deal

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have secured a spot in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a thrilling 2-1 victory over South Africa’s Banyana Banyana at the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Tuesday evening.

The 90 minutes Michelle Alozie decisive goal sealed the deal for the Nigerian side over thier archrivals. Rasheedat Ajibade broke the deadlock for Nigeria in first-half stoppage time, when she calmly converted a kick from the penalty spot after a foul at the box.

Nigeria has by this win booked a place in the final while keeping hopes alive for a record-extending 10th continental title at the ongoing tournament at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco.

The reigning champions, Banyana Banyana, fought back with resilience, drawing level shortly after the restart through a penalty of their own following a Nigerian foul.

As both sides pressed for a winner, the match seemed destined for extra time—until the 90th minute, Michelle Alozie struck a sensational long-range winner deep into stoppage time.

Her 35-yard effort swerved past goalkeeper Andile Dlamini and sparked wild celebrations among the Nigerian players and fans inside Stade Larbi Zaouli.

The match viewed as “final before the final,” by football pundits, has helped Nigeria avenge their loss to the South Africans in 2022 and further confirm their dominance on African soil.

Despite tempers flaring and injuries mounting in the closing minutes with forward Chinwendu Ihezuo stretchered off and yellow cards flying, the Super Falcons remained resolute through nine minutes of stoppage time to seal victory and set up a mouthwatering final in Rabat against the winner between hosts, Morocco and Ghana.

So far, Nigeria has remained unbeaten in the tournament and will head into the final with renewed confidence.

For South Africa, with their title defence ending in heartbreak, they have a chance to go home with a medal from the third-place playoff.

Interestingly, Skipper Ajibade led by example in this match and all eyes are now on her to lead Nigeria to victory in the final.

On the night, Ajibade was effervescent in her display. From winning the penalty for the Super Falcons to calmly converting it herself as well as keeping Banyana defenders on their toes, she enjoyed a good outing while emerging the Most Valuable Player (MVP) on the pitch

However in the words of  Michelle Anozie, after the match,  she said, “We came here with one goal — to reclaim our crown and inspire the next generation. This is for every Nigerian girl with a dream.”

The final is scheduled to take place this Saturday 26 July, 2025, with the Super Falcons eyeing another piece of football history.