Nigeria’s Super Falcons secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over reigning champions South Africa in the semifinals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Tuesday, advancing to their first final since 2018. Defender Michelle Alozie, who scored the decisive second goal, celebrated her team’s triumph while extending heartfelt support to injured South African player Gabriela Salgado.
The match, held at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Côte d’Ivoire, saw Nigeria dominate early with a penalty conversion by captain Rasheedat Ajibade in the 43rd minute. Alozie doubled the lead early in the second half with a clinical finish. South Africa’s efforts to rally included a late goal by Hildah Magaia, but the Super Falcons held firm to clinch the win.
Post-match, Alozie took to social media to celebrate the team’s achievement, writing, “COUNT IT!!!!! See you in the finals,” alongside a rallying cry for supporters. She also expressed concern for Salgado, who sustained a significant injury during the game. “Prayers to Gabriela Salgado. Speedy recovery,” Alozie added, emphasizing solidarity amid the competitive intensity.
Salgado’s injury, which occurred during a collision in the first half, led to her substitution and cast a somber note on the encounter. Medical staff attended to the defender on the pitch before she was helped off, though the extent of her condition remains undisclosed.
Nigeria now awaits the winner of Wednesday’s semifinal between host nation Morocco and Ghana, setting the stage for a high-stakes final this weekend. A victory would mark Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON title, extending their record as the most successful team in the tournament’s history.
For South Africa, the loss halts their bid to defend the title they claimed in 2022, when they edged Morocco in a tense final. Banyana Banyana’s campaign saw flashes of resilience, but defensive lapses against Nigeria’s attacking threats proved costly. The team will now compete in the third-place playoff ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, where they are among Africa’s qualified representatives.
The Super Falcons’ journey to the final has reignited enthusiasm among Nigerian supporters, many of whom view the team as a unifying force amid broader challenges in the country’s football landscape. Alozie’s leadership and sportsmanship, exemplified by her dual focus on victory and compassion, have drawn widespread praise, underscoring the tournament’s role in showcasing both athletic excellence and human spirit.
As anticipation builds for Saturday’s final, attention turns to Morocco and Ghana’s semifinal clash. Morocco, buoyed by home support, aims to replicate their 2022 runner-up finish, while Ghana seeks its first WAFCON title since 1965. The outcome will set up a historic showdown against Nigeria, a team determined to reclaim continental supremacy.
