President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed the Super Falcons for reaching the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after their dramatic 2-1 victory over Banyana Banyana of South Africa in yesterday’s semi-final in Casablanca, Morocco.
The President, in a post on his X handle, described the team’s performance as a magnificent display of grit, talent, and the indomitable Nigerian spirit.
He said the players had made the nation proud with their efforts.
Tinubu congratulated the team for their achievement and urged them not to relent in their quest to lift the trophy.
“Congratulations to our Super Falcons! Your incredible #WAFCON2024 semi-finals victory over South Africa today was nothing short of superlative. It was a magnificent display of grit, talent, and the indomitable Nigerian spirit.
“You have made the nation proud. Keep soaring. Don’t stop until you bring the trophy home. Go for our 10th title. Nigerians worldwide are rooting for you. We are waiting to receive the cup,” he wrote in a post on his official handle.”
The Super Falcons secured their place in the final after defender Mitchel Alozie scored a dramatic late winner to seal victory over the defending champions.
With the match seemingly heading for extra time, Alozie launched a long ball into the South African box which evaded everyone, including the goalkeeper, and nestled into the net to stun the Banyana Banyana defence.
Earlier, Nigeria took the lead in the 44th minute when Captain Rasheedat Ajibade calmly converted from the penalty spot after a South African defender was penalised for handling Folashade Ijamilusi’s cross in the box.
South Africa responded strongly after the break and drew level in the 56th minute. Midfielder Linda Motlhalo slotted home from the penalty spot after defender Osinachi Ohale was penalised for pulling down a South African attacker.
The Falcons took the lead with a penalty in 45th minute scored by captain Rasheedat Ajibade, South Africa equalized in the second half with a goal by Motihalo.
Nigeria’s Mission X juggernaut rumbles inexorably to the finish line, as the Super Falcons say they are determined to abort the title-retaining dreams of Cup holders South Africa when both sides clash in the second semi-final of the 13th Women AFCON finals in Casablanca this evening.
In the competition’s 27-year history, the Super Falcons have never failed to make the semi -finals, and boastful Zambia turned out to be too weak to shred that record when both teams met in the quarter finals on Friday, an encounter from which the Super Falcons ran out 5-0 winners.
South Africa’s Banyana Banyana have been traditionally a miserable opposition to the Nigerian girls for decades. It took the girls from the Rainbow Nation 17 years, after a first meeting in March 1995, to secure a win over the Falcons – a 1-0 win in a Women AFCON match in Equatorial Guinea 13 years ago. Before then, they serially suffered, their take-homes including 7-1 and 5-0 drubbings.
The Banyana netted another Women AFCON win in Ghana in 2018 (group stage), but suffered heartbreak in a penalty shootout in the final that earned Nigeria a 9th continental title. Three years ago, the Banyana again had the upper hand in a group stage match (2-1) and went on to win their first African title after beating host nation Morocco (penalty shootout winners over Nigeria in the semi-finals) in the final.
Debate has been fierce over the past few weeks as to which team is the best in Africa, between the Falcons and the Banyana, and that question should be properly attended to at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium this evening.
In 10 previous Women AFCON clashes between both nations, Nigeria have been triumphant six times, with South Africa winning on three occasions. The only one that ended in a draw (2018 Women AFCON Final) was eventually won by Nigeria following a penalty shootout.
In total, both teams have clashed 25 times, since the first meeting on 4th March 1997 – a 1995 FIFA Women’s World qualifying match that the Falcons won 4-1. In the return leg in South Africa two weeks later, the Banyana were pumped 7-1. The Super Falcons have won 15 times, with six games ending in draws and the Banyana winning four times.
South Africa’s biggest win over Nigeria remains a 4-2 spanking they handed to an understrength Nigeria in the Aisha Buhari Invitational Tournament in Lagos in September 2021. Most recently, the Falcons rode over the Banyana to qualify for their first appearance at the Women Olympic Football Tournament in 16 years.
Two years ago, both the Falcons and the Banyana reached the Round of 16 at the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Down Under. However, the Falcons were the ones that wowed the universal audience with their guts, grit and flair, in defeating co-hosts Australia right at Brisbane’s Lang Park and leaving the tournament unbeaten in regulation time.
Here in Morocco, Nigeria forward Chinwendu Ihezuo is firmly in the race for the top scorer’s award, as she is presently on three goals, one behind Morocco captain Ghizlane Chebbak and Senegalese forward Nguenar Ndiaye.
No doubt, the indices and elements are there for an explosive Women AFCON semi-final clash in Casablanca on Tuesday evening.
HEAD-TO-HEAD: NIGERIA VS. SOUTH AFRICA:
4 Mar 1995: Nigeria 4 South Africa 1 (WCq)
19 Mar 1995: South Africa 1 Nigeria 7 (WCq)
25 Nov 2000: South Africa 0 Nigeria 2 (WAFCON)
18 Dec 2002: Nigeria 5 South Africa 0 (WAFCON)
30 Mar 2003: South Africa 0 Nigeria 3 (Friendly)
11 Oct 2003: Nigeria 1 South Africa 0 (AfGames)
12 Mar 2004: South Africa 2 Nigeria 2 (Olyq)
28 Mar 2004: Nigeria 1 South Africa 0 (Olyq)
9 July 2007: South Africa 2 Nigeria 2 (AfGames)
18 July 2007: South Africa 0 Nigeria 4 (AfGames)
28 July 2008: Nigeria 5 South Africa 0 (Olyq)
12 Aug 2008: South Africa 0 Nigeria 1 (Olyq)
22 Nov 2008: South Africa 0 Nigeria 1 (WAFCON)
4 Nov 2010: South Africa I Nigeria 2 (WAFCON)
3 June 2012: South Africa 1 Nigeria 1 (Friendly)
23 June 2012: Nigeria 0 South Africa 0 (Friendly)
7 Nov 2012: South Africa 1 Nigeria 0 (WAFCON)
22 Oct 2014: South Africa 1 Nigeria 2 (WAFCON)
29 Nov 2016: Nigeria 1 South Africa 0 (WAFCON)
18 Nov 2018: South Africa 1 Nigeria 0 (WAFCON)
1 Dec 2018: Nigeria 0 South Africa 0 (WAFCON)
* Nigeria triumphed 4-3 penalties
21 Sept 2021: Nigeria 2 South Africa 4 (Aisha Buhari Cup)
Super Falcons’ right back Michelle Alozie has credited Nigeria’s physical edge—particularly in height—for their dominant 5-0 victory over Zambia in the quarter-finals of the ongoing African Women’s Championship.
Speaking to journalists after the match, Alozie emphasized the importance of set-pieces in a contest where physical presence proved decisive.
“We knew that set pieces were going to be an important component as we have a height difference with Zambia and most African teams,” she explained. “So we knew that we had to put those away—and we did today.”
Nigeria wasted no time asserting their dominance. The scoring opened in just the 3rd minute when Osinachi Ohale rose highest to head home a lofted free kick from Esther Okoronkwo. That early blow set the tone for what became a clinical performance by the defending champions.
Okoronkwo turned scorer minutes later, chesting down a cross from Rasheedat Ajibade and slotting it into the bottom corner. Chinwendu Ihezuo, Tosin Demehin, and Deborah Ijamilusi each added their names to the score sheet, sealing a comprehensive 5-0 win over the Copper Queens—last edition’s third-place team.
Despite the emphatic score line, Alozie remained gracious in her post-match comments, praising Zambia’s offensive unit.
“They have an amazing front three, and so to be able to shut them down took every ounce of energy,” said Alozie. “I was basically crying at the end of the game, and that’s all due to Zambia. They are a very great side and we were just able to perform today.”
With this victory, the Super Falcons march confidently into the semi-finals, reaffirming their status as Africa’s most formidable women’s football team—both in skill and stature.
Nigeria delivered a dominant performance to demolish Zambia 5-0 and secure a place in the semi-finals of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Casablanca on Friday.
The Super Falcons, unbeaten and unbreached in the tournament so far, maintained their defensive record while producing their most clinical attacking display yet, dismantling the Copper Queens with ruthless efficiency at Stade Larbi Zaouli.
Nigeria’s intent was clear from the first whistle, and they needed just two minutes to assert control. Centre-back Osinachi Ohale rose highest to head home Esther Okoronkwo’s pinpoint free-kick delivery, setting the tone for a night to forget for Zambia.
The nine-time champions doubled their lead in the 33rd minute when Okoronkwo, again heavily involved, finished off a flowing move with a composed strike into the bottom corner. Zambia, which had shown grit and flair in the group stages, looked shell-shocked.
Before the half-time whistle, Nigeria added a third. Chinwendu Ihezuo pounced on a loose ball in the box to slot in a left-footed finish and all but end the contest.
Zambia, for all their attacking prowess led by captain Barbara Banda and Grace Chanda, failed to replicate the fluid football that had seen them finish second in Group A.
Their attacks were often disjointed and met with a disciplined Nigerian backline anchored by Ashleigh Plumptre.
After the break, Nigeria remained in control. Oluwatosin Demehin made it 4-0 in the 68th minute, nodding in from close range after another set-piece wreaked havoc in Zambia’s area.
The fifth arrived in stoppage time, with substitute Folashade Ijamilusi applying the finishing touch following good work by Rasheedat Ajibade.
Zambia’s frustration was summed up by Banda’s repeated offside and speculative efforts, while Chanda’s long-range attempt in the 51st minute was comfortably blocked.
With this emphatic victory, Nigeria maintain their push for a record-extending 10th WAFCON title. Zambia, who had hoped to build on their 2022 bronze finish, now exit the tournament having been outclassed by a side still to concede a single goal.
The Super Falcons advanced to the semi-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with an emphatic 5-0 victory over the Copper Queens of Zambia.
Nigeria wasted no time in taking control of the game, with centre-back Osinachi Ohale heading in a precise cross from Esther Okoronkwo just two minutes into the match.
Both sides then fought to gain dominance with Zambia’s captain, Barbara Banda, testing the Super Falcons’ defense. However, Nigeria’s lead was extended in the 33rd minute when Okoronkwo latched onto a superb cross from Rasheedat Ajibade and calmly slotted it home.
Chiwendu Ihezuo made it 3-0 just before the break, capitalising on a defensive mistake to score her third goal of the tournament, keeping her in the hunt for the top scorer’s title.
Zambia had a brief spell of possession after halftime but Nigeria stood firm and maintained their commanding lead. In the 68th minute, Tosin Demehin rose highest to head in another beautiful delivery from Okoronkwo, extending the lead to 4-0.
Folashade Ijamilusi completed the dominant performance in the final minute, slamming in a pass from Ajibade to make it 5-0.
With the win, Justine Madugu’s side will face the winner of the South Africa versus Senegal match in the semi-finals next Tuesday.
In a repeat of the 2022 WAFCON’s third-place clash with the Copper Queens of Zambia, the Super Falcons will bank on experience and assemblage of foreign professionals to turn the tide against the Southern African side this evening in one of the quarter-finals of the on-going 2024 WAFCON in Morocco, writes TUNDE LIADI…
Nine-time champions Nigeria will slug it out with Women’s African Cup of Nations 2022 bronze Medallists, the Copper Queens of Zambia in one of the quarter final matches of the ongoing tournament in Morocco- in a repeat of the penultimate game of the last edition also played in the North African nation.
The Super Falcons have never failed to qualify for the WAFCON semi-finals ever since the competition became a tournament format in 1998 but they face a stern test to hold on to that record when they trade tackles with Zambia who were the last African opposition to beat them.
The Coach Justine Madugu-led Super Falcons has not really played to their potentialities since the competition started despite beating Carthage Lionesses of Tunisia 3-0 in their first group game. They needed a stoppage time goal to defeat Botswana in the second game but were held to a goalless draw by Algeria in the last group game.
Good attacking flair and purposeful playing pattern used to be the hallmark of the Super Falcons in the past but they have been far from their best this term en route to the quarter finals.
Coach Madugu didn’t mince words while expressing concerns over his team’s inability to score goals despite the armada of star strikers in their fold, adding he was surprised that the team could only score four goals in the group stage.
Ahead of this evening’s tie against Zambia, Madugu stated that his team’s wastefulness has become a concern to him while hoping that the problem would have been solved before this evening’s kick-off against the Copper Queens.
“Prior to this tournament we have been playing games and have scored goals in a lot of them,” Madugu told journalists. “In this tournament, goal scoring has become a challenge for us. We have to go back and address it. We have little time to work on that and it is an area that becomes a cause for concern and worry for us.
“The same players that were scoring goals before are still the same players playing and why we are not getting the goals is something we must try and look at and work on.”
He further admitted as he looks forward to the encounter against the ‘warring’ Zambians: “There is no room for errors,” insisting that the Falcons would be ready in all ramifications to face the Zambians.
“We must be 100% – psychologically, physically, tactically.”
Incidentally, Zambia has scored seven goals and conceded four on their way to the quarter-finals , with strikers Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji notching three apiece.
Banda hopes to emulate Zambia’s men, who won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2012 after a fairy-tale run.
“It would be a great moment for Zambia,” the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year told Newsday on the BBC World Service. “Remembering 2012, this year now it can be us, the ladies, so we are hoping for that and we are aiming for it as a team.”
However, Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie is unfazed by the threat posed by Banda and Kundananji.
“I’ve been watching them, trying to study them,” she Super Falcons star said.”As a goalkeeper, you need to expect anything. Trust me, I’m ready for them.”
Alluding to Nnadozie ‘s sentiments , Super Falcons defender, Ashley Plumptre has also expressed optimism that the team would be able to scale past the Zambian hurdle in the WAFCON 2024 quarter final fixture .
She admitted that the Falcons have been poor with the goal scoring opportunities they have created but reckoned that there would be some level of improvement against Zambia with their sights on keeping another clean sheet R the end of the game.
“Yes, we haven’t scored as many goals as we should but we are creating chances and I think we are understanding ourselves better having played three games and have been on rest for some days,” Plumptre who plies her trade in Saudi Arabia noted.
“We have a little time between now and the next game on the pitch to be able to work more before the game with Zambia. We know that Zambians have good attacking threats but we have to prepare for the Zambians as a whole team and not just a couple of individual players. We have to appreciate and respect their talents.
Ditto for Oluwatosin Demehin, another player who have been exceptional in Morocco having been involved in all Super Falcons’ three games and she disclosed that the Falcons remain the team to beat in Morocco.
“Zambians are not a tough team to me because we are the toughest team having not conceded any goal,” Demehin who graduated from the Falconets to the Super Falcons told journalists in Morocco. “Zambians have conceded four goals already. I know we are going to beat them.”
United States of America- based Ifeoma Onumonu is also talking tough ahead of today’s tie with Zambia revealing that they are up against a tough side.
Onumonu also predicts that the winner of the quarter final tie may go ahead to win the 2024 WAFCON.
“We unfortunately lost to them in the third place game of the last WAFCON after our unfortunate defeat to Morocco in the semi-final,” she disclosed. “It is going to be a very hard game. But I believe the winner of this game would go ahead to win the tournament.”
Meanwhile, former Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) Chairperson, Aisha Falode, has also urged the Super Falcons to put in their best as they take on Zambia in the quarter final encounter today.
“The only thing that will stand in the way of the Super Falcons is the Super Falcons themselves. They have to understand that the mission is not just a slogan it is a call to duty. A call for you to answer,” Falode said. “Now is the time to reclaim and to re-stamp our authority on the continent. It was a mirage the last time and now you want to make it a reality.
“They should understand that there is a mixture of new players who are hungry and want to experience what it means to lift the trophy. The last time we won it was in 2018 and it used to be a tradition to us.
“It is good in a way to show that women’s football on the continent is not static it is developing, moving and growing. We have to go back to the front to dictate again. We cannot lead from behind and it is achievable,” she added.
As the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) enters the quarterfinal stage, with Nigeria’s Super Falcons preparing for a pivotal encounter against Zambia’s Copper Queens, the Chairman of the Interim Management Committee of the Unified Supporters Club, Prince Vincent Okumagba has expressed optimism of Falcons coming out victorious.
Speaking ahead of the crucial match scheduled for the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, Morocco today, Okumagba said: “We are going to play our best match of the tournament so far tomorrow.”
Ensuring adequate support for the Nigerian ladies, he hinted that some of the supporters departed via Air Maroc last night ahead of the game holding today. .
“Unfortunately we do not have sponsors and those in authority are yet to do anything financially to support us. We have visa for some members but no flight tickets. But with much individual efforts, some people are leaving today (Thursday) led by the Kwara State chapter chairman of the supporters club Architect Olubunmi Komolafe Dickson popularly known as Dickalo.”
“He will be assisted by Solomon Edem from Akwa Ibom State,” Okumagba added, stressing that he’s quite optimistic that the Super Falcons will overpowered the Zambian, hence other members can join them for the semifinal game.
Nigeria’s biggest concern is goal conversion despite dominating possession and territory, the Super Falcons have struggled to make it count, while Zambia’s defensive organization remains vulnerable under sustained pressure. Their 3-2 victory over Senegal exposed moments of defensive fragility that Nigeria will look to exploit.
Super Falcons’ Head Coach Justin Madugu has apologised to Nigerians following the team’s listless goalless draw against Algeria in Sunday’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024 final Group B match in Casablanca.
The match ended without goals despite Nigeria’s efforts to secure a much-needed win. The result has left fans frustrated as expectations remain high for the country’s most successful women’s football team.
Speaking after the game, Madugu acknowledged the disappointment by taking responsibility for his side’s not too impressive performance amid the Super Falcons’ bid for a record 10th tittle.
“First of all, we want to apologise to our dear country men and women for not winning the game because I know the expectation is that we must always win,” he said. “We did the best that we could to try and make sure that we won the game, but it didn’t turn out the way they had expected. We apologise and we will make sure that we will work harder to make them happier in the subsequent games that we have to play.”
Despite the draw, the Super Falcons secured qualification to the quarter-finals of the tournament following victories in the two earlier Group B matches against Tunisia and Botswana.
Meanwhile, Botswana defeated Tunisia 2-1 to finish second among the third-placed teams across the groups , while Senegal despite a loss to Morocco, still topped the third-place rankings.
Nigeria will now face Zambia on Friday, July 18, in a quarter-final clash as both teams seek a place in the semi-finals.
Copper Queens of Zambia Head Coach Nora Häuptle believes her team is fully ready to face whoever comes next after the team sealed a spot in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a 1-0 victory over DR Congo last weekend.
Forward Rachael Kundananji’s early free kick was enough to secure second place in Group A and extended Zambia’s unbeaten run in WAFCON group matches to seven.
However, it was the team’s disciplined performance, youthful spark and growing tactical maturity that left Häuptle satisfied as she reflected on a successful group campaign.
“I think we had a very stable and mature performance today. We adjusted some details in our block and stayed very valla, which means compact,” Hauptle explained. “Out of this structure, we scored early, and I think we could have added more before the break, we never lost control.”
Zambia will face Group B winners Nigeria in the quarter finals on Friday in Casablanca and the Southern African coach is unperturbed about the prospect of the fixture noting that to be champions, the Copper Queens must be ready to face any opposition.
“We are in a comfortable position with five rest days now. It’s a chance to recover, refresh and observe closely. Whoever we face, we will be ready. If you want to reach the final and win this tournament, you need to beat everyone. So we will take whoever comes,” she said.
