Nigeria's Super Falcons are through to the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after a dramatic 2-1 victory over defending champions South Africa in Casablanca.
It is a result that has sparked widespread celebrations in the Nigerian football community.
Goals from Rasheedat Ajibade and Michelle Alozie helped the nine-time African champions secure their first WAFCON final appearance in seven years, setting up a tantalising showdown with hosts Morocco on Saturday, July 26, at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium.
Ajibade opened the scoring just before half-time, converting from the penalty spot after a VAR review penalised a South African handball. The former Atlético Madrid star was named the Woman of the Match.
The reigning champions hit back quickly through Linda Motlhalo’s penalty early in the second half, but Nigeria snatched victory at the death when defender Michelle Alozie fired home a sensational long-range winner in stoppage time.
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Super Falcons stars react
The final whistle saw an emotional outpouring from the Nigerian camp.
Winger Rinsola Babajide, making her WAFCON debut, couldn’t hide her excitement:
“WE ARE THROUGH TO THE FINALS OF THE WOMEN AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS PRAISE THE LOOOORDDDD.”
WE ARE THROUGH TO THE FINALS OF THE WOMEN AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS PRAISE THE LOOOORDDDD pic.twitter.com/tp91ExELSx
— Rinsola Babajide (@rinss98) July 22, 2025
Babajide later added:
“Through to the finals ✅ + my baby’s birthday tomorrow = double celebrationssssss “
Midfield dynamo Joe Echegini, another WAFCON debutant, posted simply:
“See you in the finals!!”
Veteran midfielder Halimatu Ayinde was also overwhelmed with joy:
“God is faithful! WE'RE IN THE FINAL! I can't stop smiling! So blessed to be here with my incredible sisters! Today's match was INTENSE but we did it together! We've got God, we've got each other, and we've got Nigeria behind us! Now let's finish what we've started! THE THRONE AWAITS.”
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who conceded her first goal of the tournament in this match, remained upbeat:
“Straight to finals baby What God cannot do does not exist “
Midfielder Christy Ucheibe added her voice on social media:
“YESSS. We are in the final!!!”
Michelle Alozie, who scored the winner, received praise from her American club side, Houston Dash:
“MICHELLE ALOZIE'S STOPPAGE TIME GOAL SENDS NIGERIA TO THE WAFCON FINAL.”
MICHELLE ALOZIE'S STOPPAGE TIME GOAL SENDS NIGERIA TO THE WAFCON FINAL https://t.co/o61fK9Xc4B
— Houston Dash (@HoustonDash) July 22, 2025
National figures join in praise
Even outside the football world, the impact of the victory was widely felt. Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, congratulated the team:
“You have once again shown the world the strength, courage, and brilliance of Nigerian women. Your passion, discipline, and unity on the field are a shining example to young girls everywhere that nothing good is beyond reach. This win is more than just a ticket to the finals… it’s a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we believe in ourselves and stand together. May you finish strong. Congratulations, SUPER FALCONS.”
Nigeria will now face Morocco, who edged Ghana 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the other semifinal.
The Falcons are chasing a record-extending 10th continental title while the Moroccans are aiming for a first-ever WAFCON crown.
