Nigeria’s Super Falcons clinched a place in the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after edging South Africa’s Banyana Banyana 2-1 in a fiercely contested semi-final on Tuesday.
The high-octane encounter saw Nigeria draw first blood late in the first half, with Rasheedat Ajibade coolly slotting home a penalty in the 45th minute to hand the Falcons a deserved lead at halftime.
South Africa suffered an early setback in the 26th minute when key forward Hildah Magaia was forced off through injury, prompting Thubelihle Makhubela’s introduction.
Undeterred, Banyana Banyana came back fighting after the break and restored parity in the 60th minute through a Linda Motlhalo penalty, reigniting hopes of a turnaround.
As the match looked destined for extra time, Nigeria delivered a late sucker punch. In the 94th minute, Michelle Alozie latched onto a pass from Esther Okoronkwo and fired home the winner, sparking wild celebrations among the Nigerian contingent.
The closing stages were marked by intense physical play and strategic substitutions from both teams, but the Super Falcons maintained composure to see out the win.
With this dramatic triumph, Nigeria advances to yet another WAFCON final, reaffirming their status as queens of African women’s football and moving a step closer to lifting another continental crown.
