By Njoku Chijioke
Nigeria’s Super Falcons have booked their place in the WAFCON 2024 final with a dramatic 2-1 win over defending champions South Africa in the semi-finals, thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Michelle Alozie.
Rasheedat Ajibade opened scoring for Nigeria in the first half, calmly converting a penalty after a South African defender was penalized for a handball in the box. South Africa responded in the 57th minute when Linda Motlhalo netted a penalty following a foul by Osinachi Ohale.
The match appeared to be heading into extra time until Alozie, in a moment of brilliance, chipped the ball from mid-range past the goalkeeper to seal victory in stoppage time.
Nigeria will now face either host nation Morocco or Ghana’s Black Queens in the final on Saturday, July 26.
With this win, the Super Falcons remain unbeaten in the tournament and have not conceded a goal in open play — a testament to their defensive discipline and overall form.
Head coach Justin Madugu praised his squad’s resilience and preparation. “The girls showed incredible focus and desire. South Africa are a formidable side, but we broke their streak because we believed in ourselves,” he said, adding that the team’s familiarity with the Casablanca venue was also an advantage.
