By Olatunbosun Obafemi
Nigeria’s Super Falcons are through to the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after a dramatic 2-1 win over defending champions South Africa in Casablanca. The pulsating semi-final encounter was settled by a stunning stoppage-time strike from defender Michelle Alozie, sending Nigeria into their first WAFCON final since 2016.
The Super Falcons went ahead just before halftime when Rasheedat Ajibade converted a penalty following a VAR-reviewed handball by a South African defender. The former Atlético Madrid winger, who was later named Woman of the Match, kept her cool from the spot to give Nigeria a deserved lead.
South Africa responded quickly in the second half. A foul in the box gave Linda Motlhalo the chance to level from the penalty spot, and she made no mistake. The game remained tightly contested, with both sides creating chances but unable to find the breakthrough.
The mood on the pitch shifted dramatically when South African midfielder Gabriela Salgado suffered what appeared to be a serious leg injury. She landed awkwardly after challenging for an aerial ball during a Nigerian set piece and immediately went down in visible pain. Players from both teams were shaken, and the game paused for several minutes.
Nigerian midfielder Christy Ucheibe, who had come on as a substitute in the 64th minute for the injured Joe Echegini, later offered her support.
“Everyone was emotional on the pitch. I was about to cry. It’s done now and we can’t change it, but I wish her a speedy recovery and success in the future,” Ucheibe said in her post-match interview.
Despite the setback, Nigeria kept pressing and were rewarded in stoppage time. Alozie picked up a loose ball outside the box and fired home an unstoppable long-range effort, sparking celebrations among Nigerian fans and players alike.
The result sends the Super Falcons into the final against tournament hosts Morocco, to be played on Saturday, July 26, at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium. Kick-off is set for 21:00 WAT.
Nigeria have now won four of their five matches in the tournament, keeping four clean sheets. The nine-time African champions will be aiming to reclaim the title they last won in 2018 and extend their record to a tenth WAFCON crown.
