From AFCON to WAFCON: Nigeria beats South Africa again to set up final showdown with hosts - Destiny or Deja Vu?

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have once again knocked out South Africa’s Banyana Banyana at a major continental competition, setting the stage for a highly anticipated final against hosts Morocco at WAFCON 2024.

Just as the Super Eagles did at AFCON 2023, overcoming South Africa and Banfana Banfana in the semifinals to face host nation Cote d’Ivoire in the final, the Super Falcons have followed a similar path in Casablanca.

On Tuesday evening, the Falcons kept the ‘Mission X’ alive following a hard-fought 2-1 win against a stubborn Banyana Banyana, who were the defending champions, to book their ticket to the final.

The semis at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium was as tense and pulsating as it was tactical from both teams. Nigeria, after several attempts, opened the scoring just before the break when skipper Rasheedat Ajibade slotted home from 12 yards.

It was a deserved goal and lead for the Falcons, who dominated the opening 45 minutes and would have been worthy of more goals following chances from Chinwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo.

South Africa wouldn’t go down without a fight and responded strongly with a better second half display, which was rewarded with a 59th-minute penalty after an uncharacteristic foul from veteran defender Osinachi Ohale on Hildah Magaia in the box.

The beautiful number 10, Linda Motlhalo, stepped forward, and like Ajibade, made no mistakes from 12 yards to level the score at 1-1. 

That equaliser rejuvenated holders who pushed for the winner, coming close on occasions, including rattling the woodwork, while Ohale made amends with a goal-line clearance in the 73rd minute.

With both teams fatigued as extra time approached, Michelle Alozie unleashed a sensational long-range strike deep into stoppage time (90+4’) that beat South Africa’s top goalkeeper Andile Dlamini. 

That dramatic winner sent Nigeria’s fans into jubilation and ended South Africa’s hopes of defending their WAFCON title.

This victory is loaded with symbolism. Nigeria has traditionally dominated this AFCON/WAFCON rivalry, having won 16 out of 24 meetings overall between their men’s and women’s teams with South Africa. 

The Super Falcons have now secured their spot in their 13th WAFCON final and are chasing a record 10th continental title. Their rivalry with South Africa is fierce; the two teams have clashed eight consecutive times at WAFCON since 2006, with Nigeria holding the upper hand historically in this tournament as well.

Earlier at AFCON 2023, the Super Eagles followed a parallel path,  beating South Africa in the semis to reach the final against hosts Côte d’Ivoire, marking a powerful pattern of dominance across Nigerian national teams.

The Super Falcons will now face Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses, who reached the final after a tough penalty shootout win over Ghana’s Black Queens. 

The final, scheduled for Saturday, July 26, promises high drama as Nigeria chases a record-breaking tenth WAFCON crown on the soil of the hosts.

After a tense battle against South Africa, Nigeria’s players and supporters are motivated by a strong sense of destiny. 

Whether this repeat pattern is fate or déjà vu, Nigeria’s women have shown once again they are Africa’s football powerhouse, ready to write the next famous chapter.