Nigeria’s Super Falcons have booked their place in the final of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco after a dramatic 2-1 victory over defending champions, South Africa’s Banyana Banyana.
The tightly contested semi-final looked set for extra time until Nigerian defender Mitchel Alozie launched a deep ball into the box that beat the South African goalkeeper and defenders, sealing a last-gasp winner in stoppage time. The goal stunned the opposition and secured Nigeria’s place in Saturday’s final, where they will face either Ghana or host nation Morocco.
Earlier, Nigeria dominated the first half, but South Africa held firm with key interventions from goalkeeper Andile Dlamini and defender Bambanani Mbane. Nigeria eventually broke through after Folashade Ijamilusi won a penalty, calmly converted by Rasheedat Ajibade to make it 1-0 at halftime.
South Africa responded in the second half with a penalty of their own, leveling the game at 1-1 on 60 minutes. But Alozie’s unexpected winner in the fourth minute of added time ensured Nigeria advanced to their record-extending WAFCON final.
This win serves as redemption for the Falcons, who suffered a group stage defeat to South Africa in the last edition of the tournament.
