A dramatic stoppage-time strike from Michelle Alozie secured a thrilling 2–1 victory for the Super Falcons over defending champions South Africa in the semi-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday.
With the match seemingly heading for extra time, Alozie launched a hopeful long ball into the box that caught the South African defence and goalkeeper off guard, sealing Nigeria’s place in their first WAFCON final since 2018.
Earlier, Rasheedat Ajibade had put Nigeria ahead from the penalty spot in the first half, before Linda Motlhalo responded with a penalty of her own to level for Banyana Banyana. Despite South Africa enjoying more possession (55% to Nigeria’s 45%) and superior pass accuracy (73% to 66%), the Super Falcons were more clinical, registering seven shots on target to their opponent’s three.
Nigeria, chasing a record-extending 10th title, will face either hosts Morocco or Ghana’s Black Queens in the final on Saturday, July 26.