The Super Falcons of Nigeria are through to the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after a nail-biting 2–1 victory over defending champions South Africa.
The match started with a bang as Nigeria nearly got the opener within the first 12 minutes. Chiwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo both came close.
Ihezuo was played through by Ashleigh Plumptre with a smart pass, but her shot was stopped by South Africa’s goalkeeper Andile Dlamini. Just seconds later, Okoronkwo tried her luck too, but Dlamini was quick again to make the save.
Despite South Africa’s smooth movement in midfield, they struggled to create any serious threat in front of goal. Nigeria, on the other hand, remained dangerous every time they pushed forward.
The pressure finally paid off one minute before half-time. South Africa’s Bomgeka Gamede handled the ball inside the penalty area, and the referee pointed straight to the spot. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade stepped up and coolly converted the penalty. Dlamini got a hand on it, but the ball still found its way into the net.
South Africa came back stronger in the second half and were rewarded in the 60th minute. They earned a penalty of their own, which Linda Motlhalo tucked away with confidence to bring the score level at 1–1.
The match looked set to go into extra time, but Nigeria had other plans. In the dying moments of stoppage time, Nigeria’s right-back surprised everyone with a thunderous long-range strike that beat Dlamini and secured the Super Falcons’ place in the final.
This victory not only knocks out the current title holders but also sets Nigeria up for a shot at a record-extending WAFCON title.
